HC Deb 15 May 1947 vol 437 cc1698-9
52. Mr. David Renton

asked the Minister of Labour when the hon. Member for Huntingdon may expect a reply to his letter of 29th April concerning Mr. Albert Jones who was a ballottee for the mines and who, when it was discovered that he was not a member of a trade union, was told that his services were not required at Rossington Colliery, Doncaster, where he had been working for two years; and whether it is still intended to compel Mr. Jones to report again for duty at Rossington Colliery.

Mr. Ness Edwards

My right hon. Friend replied to the hon. Member's letter on 9th May.

Mr. Renton

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a miner was lost to coalmining in this case because of attempts to compel him to join a trade union, and will he take steps to ensure that men are not lost to mining in that way in future?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman is wrongly informed about the facts. If he will consult the letter that has been sent to him he will see that the allegation he now makes is not correct.

Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the public interest in this matter, may this letter be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, so that other hon. Members may see it?

Mr. Ness Edwards

Oh, no. That would be quite improper.

Mr. Byers

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the stock answer of his Department in all these cases?

Mr. Ness Edwards

This is not a stock answer because this is not a stock case.

Sir W. Smithers

On a point of Order. May I ask whether information on this matter could not be given to all hon. Members, instead of being confined to only one hon. Member?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

I am afraid that is not a question for me.