HC Deb 06 February 1947 vol 432 cc1956-7
50. Major Peter Roberts

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of his announcement that there was no question, as far as the Government was concerned, of in hibiting colliery managers from political activities, he will give an assurance that the action taken by the North-Eastern division of the National Coal Board in for bidding, in principle, managers from serving on local councils, in no way reflects a change of policy towards employees in other Government-owned industries.

The Prime Minister

There has been no change in the position as stated in my reply to the right hon. Member for Bromley (Mr. H. Macmillan) on 12th March, 1946. I understand that the North-Eastern Divisional Coal Board have had under consideration the extent to which staff taken into the employment of the board have been engaged in outside activities which might interfere with their work, and to this end issued a questionnaire seeking details of this work from key production officials whose Coal Board functions are of high importance at the present time. The questionnaire was worded in a way which conveyed the impression that the North-Eastern Board had already decided to impose a ban on local government work, but I am informed that this was not intended, and a statement to that effect was issued to the Press by the chairman of the North-Eastern Divisional Board.

Major Roberts

Does not the Prime Minister recognise the inherent right of every industrial employee to serve on a local council whatever his party may be?

The Prime Minister

Certainly, Sir.

Major Roberts

Further, does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a precedent which, if followed by other industries, will have a disastrous effect on local government?

The Prime Minister

To what precedent is the hon. and gallant Gentleman referring?

Major Roberts

The precedent of employers trying to prevent or restrict the attendance at council meetings by their workpeople because they are engaged on important work?

The Prime Minister

I am afraid that I have not managed to make myself clear to the hon. and gallant Member. The point I made was that this was not so, and that there was an inquiry to see how far these duties had been carried on. There is and will be no ban.

Colonel Ropner

Is it not a fact that a county councillor in the West Riding of Yorkshire has resigned on account of a letter he received?

The Prime Minister

Not to my knowledge. If the hon. and gallant Member knows of any case and will sent me details I shall be glad to look into them.