HC Deb 06 November 1946 vol 428 cc1364-5
14. Mr. Niall Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for Air what policy is being adopted by his Department towards the Aeronautical Engineers Association and its members; and to what extent members of the association who have served several years in skilled jobs are being now given the choice of either joining the A.E.U. or being registered as dilutees, with the prospects of early dismissal.

Mr. de Freitas

The Aeronautical Engineers Association has never been recognised by the industrial side of the Whitley Council as a negotiating body and, in consequence, my Department has not felt able to recognise it as such. I do not quite follow the suggestion in the latter part of the Question and perhaps the hon. Member would like to send me particulars of the cases he has in mind. I cannot myself see how a situation could arise in which a man could be presented with these alternatives.

Mr. Macpherson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, when a number of these men were taken over early in the war for training at Park Royal, and so on, they were given an assurance that they would not be registered as dilutees, and that they are now being given the alternative of being registered as dilutees or joining the A.E.U.?

Mr. de Freitas

I am not aware of that. With few exceptions, registration as dilutees must have taken place many years ago.

Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

Is it not a fact that this union has more than 50 per cent. of the ground engineering staff of three corporations, while some six other unions are competing for the bewildered remainder?

Mr. de Freitas

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is referring to civil aviation. He should put down a Question in regard to the three corporations.

Major Hauǵhton

Is the Minister aware that there was a definite undertaking at the time that these men were engaged as dilutees.

R.A.F. Casualties since 8th May, 1945, in theatres other than Far Eastern theatre.
Theatre. Place. Killed. Injured. Total Casualties.
Europe Germany — 1 1
Middle East Palestine — 5 5
6

Note: These figures are operational casualties; that is, they include casualties on missions such as dropping supplies to prisoners of war but not those resulting from accidents or deaths from natural causes.