HL Deb 10 May 1949 vol 162 cc424-5

2.51 p.m.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

[To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered a report in The Times of April 26 to the effect that Messrs. John Lewis Partnership propose to dismiss employees solely on the grounds of their political opinion; whether employees so dismissed can claim unemployment benefit and, if so, whether any way can be found of preventing this firm from thus utilising public funds in a scheme for enforcing their own political views.]

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (VISCOUNT HALL)

My Lords, His Majesty's Government have seen the report referred to in the noble Viscount's Question, and I would remind him of the answer given to a question on it by my right honourable friend, the Minister of Labour, in another place on May 3. As regards the unemployment insurance benefit position, it is not possible to state what decision would be given on any particular claim to unemployment benefit, as every claim is determined by the independent statutory authorities according to all the circumstances of the case. In the past, benefit has not been disallowed if the sole reason for dismissal was the holding of particular political opinions, so long as wages or payment in lieu were not being received from the last employer. We could not contemplate depriving a dismissed employee of any unemployment benefit to which he might be entitled under the existing law. I think it is clear from the letter published in The Times of May 4 from the chairman of this firm that no final decision has yet been reached on this matter, and I would like to repeat the hope expressed by my right honourable friend that they will not continue this practice.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount for his helpful answer, but may I ask, further, whether the Minister of Labour will keep himself informed in order that we may have particulars later as to what has been the outcome of this change of plan?

VISCOUNT HALL

My Lords, I can assure the noble Viscount that the Minister of Labour is fully seized of the importance of any action which would be taken, if action is taken on the matter to which the noble Viscount refers.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

Then may I take it that there would be no objection if, a little later on, I were to ask a question to ascertain what has really happened?

VISCOUNT HALL

My Lords, I should always be delighted to reply to a question by the noble Viscount.