§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission how many cases of dismissal of Refreshment Department staff have resulted in industrial tribunals in each of the past five years; how many have resulted in decisions against management; what was the total cost to Parliament of(a) being represented at tribunals and (b) awards against the Department over the same period; and what was the total cost of out-of-court settlements, pre-tribunal agreements and compensation awards over the same period.
§ Mr. BeithIn the past five years there has been one case of dismissal from the Refreshment Department which resulted in the member of staff concerned appealing to an industrial tribunal claiming unfair dismissal. The member of staff was dismissed on disciplinary grounds on 22 June 1989. The case was heard on 4 December 1989. The industrial tribunal found in favour of the complainant but in doing so acknowledged his contribution to the dismissal, which was placed at 60 per cent.
The complainant sought reinstatement but the tribunal found neither reinstatement nor re-engagement appropriate. An award of £1,500 was made, paid from House 260W funds. The House of Commons Commission was represented by the Treasury Solicitor who, at that time, did not charge for its services. No costs were therefore incurred by the House for legal representation.
Other than the above there have been no out-of-court settlements, pre-tribunal agreements or compensation awards in the past five years.