§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he proposes to take about redundant trawlermen subsequent to the court ruling concerning Mr. Hugh Williams.
§ Mr. GummerIn my reply of 4 November 1983 at column476 to my hon. Friend I made it clear that fishermen's redundancy payment entitlements were governed by the Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978. An industrial tribunal sitting at Hull decided that Mr. Hugh Williams, an ex-chief engineer, was entitled to a redundancy payment. As the tribunal made clear, the case was decided on its own facts and it should not be relied on as a test case by other redundant fishermen. Other cases will be decided on their own facts, though under the same law. The tribunal's written decision is not yet available, but no specific action by the Government 391W appears to he indicated apart from paying Mr. Williams' redundancy payment under section 106 of the 1978 Act because his ex-employer is in receivership.