§ Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Lord President of the Council what were the reasons given to the staff by the Catering Sub-Committee for the dismissal and suspension from duties of certain of the staff of the Refreshment Department of the House of Commons on Monday 12th May; what action he is taking to have good staff relations restored; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnsorI have been asked to reply.
The staff concerned were informed of the reasons for these decisions of the Catering Sub-Committee. The steps taken followed the most careful consideration, and were in due exercise of the Sub-Committee's powers. The decisions were subsequently rescinded while negotiations with the union concerned are going forward.
The Catering Sub-Committee is very anxious that good staff relations should be maintained in the Department, and it has no doubt that, with the help of the union, this can be achieved.