HC Deb 05 December 1946 vol 431 cc504-5
53. Mr. Byers

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the injustice now being caused to individual nurses, teachers, members of certain religious bodies and others, by the enforcement of the closed shop, it is still the intention of His Majesty's Government to leave this matter to both sides of industry.

Mr. Isaacs

In so far as the cases to which the hon. Member refers result from unilateral action by individual employers, regarding trade union membership of their employees, such action, whatever form it takes, is to be strongly deprecated, and is likely to be detrimental to harmonious industrial relations. As I have previously stated, the Government's view, in general, is that questions regarding terms and conditions of employment should be a matter for settlement between the two sides of industry in accordance with the constitutional machinery of the industry.

Mr. Byers

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, will the Government now take steps to ensure that this religious persecution and intolerance against— [Interruption]—this religious persecution, which is depriving members of the Plymouth Brethren of their livelihood, should now be given appropriate consideration; and will they set up an inquiry into the closed shop?

Mr. James Glanville rose

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Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Glanville

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies—

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Speaker

I have often known Members on both sides of the House to say, "Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, can he tell us," and so on. It is, I think, a usual custom. The right hon. Gentleman would have to reply to the original supplementary question afterwards.

Mr. Glanville

The question I want to address to the Minister is this. Will conditions between the trade unions and the men engaged in industry always be negotiated by the trade unions and the workmen concerned, independently of whatever Government is in power?

Mr. Isaacs

I am sorry. I may have lost the main gist of the supplementary question. I will try to deal with it. I would ask the hon. Gentleman to refer to that part of my reply in which I stated that unilateral action is to be strongly deprecated. That is the first point. Secondly, we think matters ought to be settled by the organisations on both sides, and not by action unilaterally. That is the second point. The third point is as to whether we are prepared to set up an inquiry. I am not prepared to say "Yes" to that. But as to religious intolerance, I think myself—and I am only speaking, though a Minister, at the moment for myself—I think and I hope that trade unions will respect opinion of that sort where it is honestly and sincerely held. I know of cases where such opinion has been respected, and I say further, that I am, as Minister, using what little influence I have with the organisations concerned to avoid these regrettable incidents.

Several Hon. Members rose

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Mr. Speaker

In view of that answer, I think it is rather a pity to pursue the matter.