§ 9. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Labour under what legal provision the existence of substituted appeal boards in Government factories is sanctioned; and whether he is satisfied that managements of such factories should have such preferential treatment in the hearing of appeals by workmen.
§ Mr. BevinArticle 9 of the Essential Work (General Provisions) (No. 2) Order, 1942, and corresponding articles in certain Orders applying to particular industries provide that in undertakings carried on by the Crown the local appeal board may be a committee of a joint industrial council or similar body, with an independent chairman. This is a joint arrangement, and there is no question of any preferential treatment being accorded to the management.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs my right hon. Friend aware that these appeals are heard in employers' premises, where there is not the impartial atmosphere that one gets in a Ministry of Labour Department? Often workers are at a disadvantage. I have had a number of complaints and I would like my right hon. Friend to look into the matter.
§ Mr. BevinI would like to express my gratitude to my hon. Friend for his tribute to the impartiality of my Department. If he has any cases in mind in which he thinks the conduct of proceedings has not been right, I shall be happy to look into them.