HC Deb 19 November 1953 vol 520 cc203-4W
Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Works whether his regulations provide that an officer of his Department, with eight years' service, qualifies for gratuity benefits even if dismissed on the grounds of incompetence.

Sir D. Eccles

The conditions governing payment of a gratuity are those laid down for the Civil Service generally. For unestablished staff no gratuity is granted if an employee is dismissed on disciplinary grounds, but this disqualification does not necessarily apply in cases of dismissal on grounds of incompetence. The question does not arise for established staff dismissed in the circumstances stated.

Year Fatal Accidents Accident involving other injury Not involving injury Total
1949 … … 2 10 (2) 17 29 (2)
1950 … … — 19 (5) 24 43 (5)
1951 … … — 16 (2) 24 40 (2)
1952 … … — 14 (1) 33 47 (1)
1953 (to 30th September) … … 1 13 (3) 27 41 (3)
3 72 (13) 125 200 (13)

Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Works whether his regulations provide that an officer of his Department can receive an official adverse report without first being verbally notified by his senior officer that this course is contemplated.

Sir D. Eccles

It is the practice to tell an officer of his shortcomings whether or not they become the subject of a formal adverse report. If an adverse report has to be made it is the rule to inform the officer of the defects attributed to him so that he may offer an explanation before the report is placed on record.