39. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why Mr. George Clasby, a welder, has been made redundant after 19 years' service.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsMr. Clasby has been employed by the Admiralty since 1932, but as a welder only since December, 1942. A state of redundancy arose recently amongst the welders at Portsmouth Yard and he was one of those who being the least efficient were selected for reversion to a lower grade, with the option of discharge on reduction, in accordance with the terms of the agreement made between the Admiralty and the trade unions.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes the Minister realise that, after 19 years' service, this man is one example—there are others—of men being given the option one week to revert to a lower grade and to be paid a lower wage or go out? That is not the way private enterprise would treat them.
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not know whether private enterprise ought to come into this. I remember the day when, in the industry in which I was employed, people were paid off after four hours' work without getting a week's notice, but I think that is beside the point. The fact remains that this man has not been a welder during the whole of the time that he has been with us. He is classified as the least efficient, and, under the agreement with the trade unions, he has to go.
§ Commander NobleWhat warnings were given to this man that he was inefficient and might become redundant?
§ Mr. EdwardsIt is not a question of warnings. When redundancy arises we have to look at the whole body of men and see who is least efficient.
§ Commander NobleWas this man told beforehand that he was inefficient?
§ Mr. EdwardsWe have not said that he is inefficient. We have said that he is the least efficient.
Brigadier Clarkeis the Minister aware that this man is now employed by private enterprise at a higher wage?