§ 5. Mr. Arthur Hollinsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the refusal of Messrs. Desoutter to reinstate Mr. V. S. Jackson after being authorised to do so by the local appeals board and the National Service officer; and whether he is aware of a similar case in the hosiery trade where an employer has refused to 1262 reinstate three girls whose appeal against dismissal was upheld by the board; and will he inform the House what steps he intends to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BevinI understand that while Desoutter Brothers Limited have paid Mr. Jackson his wages since they were directed to reinstate him, they claim that at present they have no work for him. I am taking steps on the lines of the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant) on 10th June, 1943, so as to secure that work as well as wages may be found for Mr. Jackson. I cannot trace the case in the hosiery trade to which my hon. Friend refers; perhaps he will send me identifying particulars which will enable me to inquire into it.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWhen the right hon. Gentleman says that he intends to endeavour to secure work for Mr. Jackson does that mean that he will see to it that Mr. Jackson is returned to Desoutter's firm and not someone else?
§ Mr. BevinIf I am told that there is no work for a man under direction, I withdraw some other person to make a vacancy.
§ Mr. OliverShould not the aggrieved party sue on his contract of service for the wages due to him?