§ 5. Mr. Bowlesasked the Minister of Labour whether he will amend the clause in the Essential Work Order so that employees dismissed for alleged misconduct should be brought before the members of the Joint Production Committee for a definite decision, along the lines resolved recently at a meeting of the shop stewards committee of Messrs. Riley (Coventry), Limited, a copy of which has been sent him by the hon. Member for Nuneaton.
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir. Under the Essential Work Order a worker dismissed for serious misconduct has the right of appeal to a local appeal board consisting of a representative of employers, a representative of workers and an independent chairman. The facts do not warrant the implication in the communication sent to me, that this procedure is being used in favour of the employers. It is an agreed procedure and I see no reason for making any change.
§ Mr. BowlesDoes my right hon. Friend remember that for some two or three months now, he and I have been in correspondence about another case concerning a motor works, where the same kind of feeling existed? May I also ask my right hon. Friend whether he will make inquiries into the feelings of the workers in the Coventry area about this matter?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir, but when a man wins he never complains. When he happens to lose, he does complain.
§ Mr. BowlesMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware of the case, particulars of which I sent him, in which the man concerned won twice, and in which the right hon. Gentleman and his National Service officer refused to make the employer carry out even the appeal board's recommendation?