HC Deb 09 March 1916 vol 80 cc1741-2W
Mr. C. DUNCAN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the case of a powder company which has discharged five of their employés for being members of a trades union; whether he will make inquiry into the matter with a view to taking such action against this firm as will prevent any further repetition; and, in view of the serious repetition of this kind of action by employers and the danger it involves in creating friction and disputes, he will issue a circular in all controlled, firms, specially warning them against such action in the future?

Dr. ADDISON

I am aware of a case in which the directors of a powder factory recenty discharged a certain number of their employés, but the company's report to me on the subject indicates that the ground of dismissal was not membership of a union but participation in or incitement to stoppage of work and other breaches of discipline. If this statement is disputed the workers concerned have a remedy under Section 5 (3) of the Amending Act, which provides for compensation in case of unjustifiable dismissal without notice.