HC Deb 19 March 1957 vol 567 cc29-30W
58. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for War what will be the position of those watch repairers of the 36 Base Workshop who were granted medical reject terms under the provisions of Civilian Staff Regulations, 1950, paragraph 35, who lose their employment at Greenford because of the closing down of the base, who cannot for medical reasons make the journey to Woolwich, where the alternative employment is offered, and who are unable to find accommodation at Woolwich; what steps have been taken to find other suitable employment in north-west Middlesex; and what is their position as far as pension or gratuity is concerned if no suitable alternative employment is found.

Mr. Hare

Every effort has been made to find other suitable Government work in the Greenford area for the three watch the final payment was made to the contractors responsible for the building.

Mr. H. Nicholls

Details of the three largest building contracts started by my Department and for which final payment has been made in the last five years are as follows:

repairers who were serving at this workshop on medical reject terms. I regret that we have not been successful. These men were therefore offered posts at Woolwich, and one has accepted. If the other two are unable or unwilling to accept these posts, I regret that the only alternative is for them to resign. Should they do so, they will be eligible for a gratuity under the Superannuation Acts if they have more than seven years' reckonable service.