22. Commander Bowerasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he has now had an opportunity to investigate the complaints made against the management of Short Brothers, R. and B., Limited, by the Swindon branch of the Clerical and Administrative Workers' Union, in a letter dated 3rd July, 1943; and whether he will make a statement?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Mr. Ben Smith)The majority of the matters referred to in the Question concern terms and conditions of employment. Under an agreement between the trade union concerned and the employers' federation, of which Short Brother's is a member, such matters are settled between the particular firm and its employees, and, failing agreement, are referred to the federation and the union. It is not the policy of my Department to interfere with established industrial agreements, and accordingly the matters raised will be dealt with through the machinery provided under the agreement in question. Two other matters were raised in the letter in question, namely, the issue of a notice which 177 appeared to conflict with the terms of the Essential Work Order and the failure to receive a reply to a letter addressed to the secretary of the company. The first of these matters, which arose out of a misunderstanding, has been adjusted, and my right hon. Friend is informed that the secretary is unable to trace the receipt of the letter in question.