HC Deb 02 April 1984 vol 57 cc386-7W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many of the 103 fishermen made redundant by the closing of Thomas Hamlings have received compensation; how many cases are still before tribunals; and how many of these have been reviewed by his Department.

Mr. Gummer

All fishermen employed by Thomas Hamlings in the recent past have been invited to submit claims for redundancy payments. Three ex-Hamlings men have so far been paid; a fourth will be paid shortly. Other cases await industrial tribunal hearings to determine whether the applicants were dismissed by reason of redundancy and other relevant matters including their continuity of service. Selection of test cases is being considered with the applicants' legal advisers.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many trawlermen have been made redundant since 1 January 1980; and how many have received redundancy payments.

Mr. Gummer

This information is not available. I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 17 January 1983 at columns 82–83.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many redundant trawlermen have applied to his Department for redundancy payments since 1 January 1983.

Mr. Gummer

Information on redundancy payments applications is not available by industry or occupation.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many redundant trawlermen have applied to tribunals for redundancy payments since 1 January 1983; and how many of these applications have been successful.

Mr. Gummer

Information on applications to industrial tribunals is not available by industry or occupation. I am aware of two trawlermen — a radio officer and a chief engineer— whose applications for redundancy payments have been heard by industrial tribunals and who have been successful. A number of cases involving trawlermen are pending.