HC Deb 11 March 1947 vol 434 cc1110-1
13. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Labour how many Acton firms have dismissed or refused re-employment to any of their work people consequent upon the resumption of electrical power to industry; and how many work people are so involved.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

I regret that this information is not available, and I have no means of obtaining it.

Mr. Sparks

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at least one firm has been found to have been illegally using electric power, that the enforcement officer of the Ministry of Fuel and Power had to come down and cut it off, and that by way of retaliation this firm has dismissed 60 of its workpeople? Will he look into such cases?

Mr. Isaacs

If the matter is brought to my attention in the proper way I will do so, but I think the trade unions should handle these matters.

Mr. Austin

In view of the lack of information on this point, which is reflected all over the country, would my right hon. Friend consider revising the machinery for the settlement of industrial disputes whereby he can intervene with out being called upon to do so by either the trade unions or employers?

Mr. Isaacs

Most certainly not. The trade unions have a job to do and they should do it.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Is my right hon. Friend aware that 2,500 engineers at Gardner's of Paticroft are only working at day rate and that the whole of the apprentices in the Manchester area may strike at any moment?

Mr. Isaacs

In that case I wonder why they have not taken up the matter with their trade unions.