HC Deb 27 February 1947 vol 433 cc2265-6
68. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he was consulted before the issue, by the North Eastern Divisional Coal Board, of instructions to agents and managers employed by it that they must resign from membership of local authorities within three months; and what action he is taking in the matter.

Mr. Shinwell

No, Sir. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Ecclesall (Major Roberts) on 6th February, 1947.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister's reply refers to a questionnaire, whereas the Question on the Order Paper today concerns a document that contains an express instruction that all council work shall stop within three months, and will the right hon. Gentleman take action to stop this intolerable interference with the liberties of these people?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not aware that there was an express instruction of the kind the hon. Gentleman has indicated. The questionnaire was undoubtedly sent out, but it does not indicate interference with the political rights of the employees as a whole.

Major Peter Roberts

Is the Minister aware that I have here a copy of the letter in question, dated r6th February, and that it says that all council work must cease within three months from that date; and will he see that this is withdrawn in view of what he has said?

Mr. Shinwell

I understand that the questionnaire has been withdrawn.

Hon. Members

It is a letter

Mr. Shinwell

It is the document to which the hon. Member has referred. So far as the Government are concerned, we do not intend at any time to interfere with the political rights of members of the Coal Board or their employees.

Major Roberts

But will the Minister see that this letter or questionnaire—it does not matter which it is called—is withdrawn?

Mr. Eden

May I press the right hon. Gentleman on that point; there is a clear understanding on the part of the House that these individuals are to be free, but as there appears to be a document which gives them an instruction which removes that freedom, will not the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, issue instructions that that document shall be cancelled?

Mr. Shinwell

There is no need to issue instructions. If the employees are aggrieved at any action taken by the Coal Board, there is conciliation machinery to deal with those grievances, but so far as I am aware the employees have not complained of any action taken by the Board.

Colonel Ropner

Is not the Minister aware that at this very moment there is a by-election going on in the West Riding of Yorkshire caused by this letter that has gone out?

Mr. Shinwell

If the hon. and gallant Member is aware that any employee of the Coal Board is precluded from participating in the by-election he might be good enough to inform me.

Back to
Forward to