Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. T. Sharp, of 22, Harpfield Road, Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, has completed 53 years' service, starting at eight years of age on half time; that he was head roller for 43 years at the Skelton Steel Works, during which time he was never absent or late; that he was dismissed through a difference of opinion; and, in view of the man's record, will he see that he is reinstated or given suitable employment as soon as possible?
§ Mr. BevinAs explained in my letter of 25th September to my hon. Friend, Mr. Sharp was dismissed from his employment at the Shelton Iron, Steel and Coal Co., Ltd., because of a dispute with the manager about the staffing of the rolling mill. Mr. Sharp exercised his right of appeal, but the local appeal board recommended that he should not be reinstated. In view of Mr. Sharp's long service with the firm, despite two breaks of three and 14 years respectively, an approach was made to them, but no arrangement proved to be possible, because of a history of1706W difficulty with this employee and the effects on discipline in the mill. I regret therefore that the question of reinstatement cannot be pursued. Mr. Sharp is now in employment to which he was submitted at his own request.