HC Deb 01 February 1945 vol 407 cc1604-5
11. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that on 31st August, 1944, Mr. G. Robinson, a driver employed at the Dudley garage of the Midland Red Omnibus Company, Limited, was scheduled for duty from 11.30 a.m. until 10 p.m., but as he was due on duty again at 5 a.m. next morning he was promised he would be relieved at 9 p.m. but was not; that he was suspended for one day for leaving duty at 9 o'clock, an arrangement endorsed by the local appeal board of the Ministry of Labour; and whether he will cause the case to be at once reopened and the punishment rescinded.

Mr. Bevin

The facts of this case, as presented on behalf of both the worker and the employer, were carefully considered by the local appeal board who were unanimously of the opinion that the suspension was justified. In these circumstances there is no further action I can take in the matter.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Is it not intolerable that a Labour Minister should defend such conditions as these, and that men should be punished in such circumstances? How does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile his reply with his earlier statement that the working man is not yet the property of the employer?

Mr. Bevin

He had the right of appeal and went to an impartial board. I do not go into the facts of suspension and I accept the decision of the board.