§ 105 and 106. Mr. John R. Thomasasked the Minister of Supply (1) whether he is aware of alleged irregularities and pilfering at Bekesbourne aerodrome, near Canterbury; and whether he will have this matter investigated; (2) whether he will inquire into the circumstances of the discharge without notice of 12 men from Bekesbourne aerodrome on 17th October, 1947, most of whom are disabled ex-miners; and in particular satisfy himself that there was no 163W victimisation because of trade union activities and that there are not other men still working at the aerodrome with less service than those discharged.
§ Mr. J. FreemanOnly two cases of petty larceny have been reported at this storage depot since April, 1945, and I have no evidence of any other irregularities. The workers are employed by the managing contractors and not by the Ministry of Supply, and their conditions of employment are, therefore, matters for settlement between them and the contractors through the normal negotiating procedure. The Fair Wages Resolution requires Government contractors to recognise the freedom of their workpeople to be members of trade unions.