HC Deb 30 July 1953 vol 518 cc1508-9
5. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health what conclusions he has reached with regard to contracts with the Medical Supply Association, Park Royal, N.W.10, following his inquiries into the firm's alleged breach of the fair wages clause.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour on 23rd July.

Mr. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this firm is advertising for non-union labour and has a staff almost entirely of non-union men; and will he arrange for an inspection of the quality of the work that is being done for his Department?

Mr. Macleod

This is rather outside my field. A number of allegations have been made about this firm, but I should like to make it clear that the firm deny all these allegations, and it is only reasonable that the investigation set in train by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour should be allowed to proceed, so that we can find out on which side justice lies.

Mr. Albu

Is the Minister aware that these things are arising from the strong feeling among members of the Amalgamated Engineering Union, which is officially supporting the strike?

Mr. Macleod

I am very well aware of the circumstances, but all I am saying is that we should not pronounce a verdict before listening to the defence.