§ 33. Mr. Montgomeryasked the Minister of Health if he will introduce legislation to give persons in charge of residential homes established under Section 21 (1) (a) of the National Assistance Act, 1948, a right of appeal to him 947 in the event of their dismissal from employment, in view of the fact that he already possesses power to authorise inspection of such homes under Section 39 of that Act.
§ Mr. PowellNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MontgomeryIs my right hon. Friend aware that I have sent particulars of the dismissal of Miss Robinson from one of these homes in Newcastle? In view of the circumstances of that dismissal and that he has power to order inspection of these homes, does not my right hon. Friend think that in common justice these people should have some right of appeal to him?
§ Mr. PowellI am aware of the case to which my hon. Friend has referred, but the fact that I have the right and duty to inspect homes to see whether they are properly conducted is not relevant to this Question. The Question asks whether I should take power to interfere between a local authority as employer and its employees. My answer to that question is, "No, Sir."