§ 4. Mr. Dobbieasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement about the position of Mr. A. Thomas, of Rotherham, in regard to his dismissal from a steel works in Sheffield, details of which have been supplied to him; whether he will have an inquiry into the circumstances of his dismissal; and why he has been unemployed for two years, although a proficient man in the industry, whilst other workers in the district have been sent to prison for absenteeism of days only.
§ Mr. BevinI understand that in September, 1942, the employment of Mr. Thomas as a departmental manager with Messrs. Arthur Lee & Sons of Sheffield, was terminated without the permission of the National Service officer, Mr. Thomas having, on request, tendered his resignation. There was thus apparently an infringement of the Essential Work Order but the circumstances were clearly such that proceedings could not be successfully instituted against the firm. With 772 regard to the last part of the Question, there have been difficulties in connection with finding employment for Mr. Thomas, which I would like to discuss with my hon. Friend.