Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that Messrs. Adams, hydraulic engineering works, York, which is a controlled firm, have discharged a number of men and women, and have given notice to others who have been working at the firm for a number of years, ranging from four to ten years, because they are members of the National Union of General Workers, and because they have been acting as delegates on behalf of such members; if he is aware that the management of the firm in question had some of the women in the office and questioned them about being members of the union, and said that it was foolish for them to pay contributions for such a purpose; if he is aware that the firm in question was brought before the Munitions Tribunal and was ordered to pay one of the women a sum of 20s. for discharging her without a week's notice, and had to pay 30s. damages for not granting a leaving certificate; and if he intends having inquiry 1882W made into the matter; and, if so, will he consult the local officials of the trade union in question?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy attention had not previously been drawn to the statements contained in the first part of the question. I will, however, make further inquiries and communicate the result to my hon. Friend in due course. As I have more than once indicated in reply to previous questions, I should most strongly deprecate any such action as that alleged to have been taken by the firm in this case.