HC Deb 01 August 1940 vol 363 cc1421-2W
Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that Messrs. Currie, Green and Patterson were discharged from the Woolwich Arsenal, on 31st May, on the charge of sabotage; why no inquiry has been held into this matter or prosecution instituted against the men concerned; whether he is also aware that an accident occurred a short time beforehand to a machine in charge of Mr. Bert Hardy, a shop steward for these men; that Messrs. Hardy and Peskitt, a convener of the Arsenal shop stewards, failed to turn up at the inquiry into the dismissal held by the Amalgamated Engineering Union; and whether a full inquiry into the whole matter will be instituted?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

My right hon. Friend is aware of the circumstances relating to the termination of the employ- ment of Messrs. Currie, Green and Patterson at Woolwich Arsenal, and has satisfied himself as to the facts of the case. It would not be consistent with the public interest to give further details.