HC Deb 13 June 1956 vol 554 cc33-4W
Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that the agreement between the Amalgamated Engineering Union and his Department regarding dilutee employees, announced on 2nd June, 1954, has failed to remove a basic grievance of this class of employee; and why his Department did not propose to the Amalgamated Engineering Union that dilutees should be accorded skilled status on completion of five years' satisfactory service in their dilutee capacity.

Mr. Birch

A statement summarising the outcome of the negotiations between the Air Ministry and the Amalgamated Engineering Union was made in a written reply on 2nd June, 1954, and it is not customary to disclose what proposals were made in the course of confidential negotiations of this kind. As regards the first part of the Question, the agreement resulted in a number of improvements for dilutee employees, but it did not, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, alter the status of the dilutee to that of a fully skilled worker.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that, following the announcement by his Department of the closing of No. 9 Maintenance Unit, Cosford, many dilutee craftsmen who have been employed there, or at other maintenance units, for upwards of 16 or 17 years as skilled aircraft-fitters, have found difficulty in obtaining skilled aircraft work, notably from the Ministry of Supply, because of their nominally dilutee status; and what steps he is taking to remove this anomalous situation in order that these skilled and experienced men may follow their careers without the taint of being dilutees.

Mr. Birch

Five dilutee craftsmen employed at No. 9 Maintenance Unit, Cosford, with upwards of 16 years service under the Air Ministry, were offered establishment in accordance with the agreement reached in 1954. When the unit was closed, those who had accepted establishment were offered transfer to other Air Ministry units, but all have now resigned. The answer to the second part of the Question is "None".