HC Deb 10 November 1947 vol 444 cc17-8W
115. Mr. Bramall

asked the Minister of Works the reason for the reprimanding and downgrading of Mr. L. Dixon, chairman of the works committee for the industrial staff of the Ministry of Works at Manchester, after he had presented to him a resolution by the shop stewards representing the industrial staff protesting against his failure to meet representatives of the industrial staff during his recent visit to Manchester.

Mr. Key

I have called for a report on the reasons for the action taken in this individual case. With regard to the incident referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, I saw Mr. Dixon under the impression that he was authorised to make representations on behalf of the organised industrial staff. It was subsequently found that he was not so authorised. He had ceased to be a shop steward before my visit and he was not entitled to speak on behalf of the works committee, membership of which is confined to shop stewards of certain trades unions. The committee have since expressed their regret for the breach of the constitution which took place. It appears that I was unwittingly a party to a breach of the industrial agreement and I am arranging for a special inquiry into this aspect of the matter.