HC Deb 10 July 1947 vol 439 cc2427-8
49. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour what other industries will be asked to follow the lead of the engineering trades union leaders and employers in agreeing to work staggered hours; in what industries can the greatest fuel saving be effected; and if all industries predominantly employing men will be urged to co-operate before a special appeal is made to those trades mainly employing women.

Mr. Isaacs

With the help of both sides of the National Joint Advisory Council, all other industries are being asked to cooperate in solving this problem of spreading the electricity load during the coming winter. In particular, on the suggestion of Regional Boards, I have written specially to the furniture, clothing and printing industries in view of the special importance of these industries in certain districts. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, much will depend on local circumstances and the peculiar conditions of individual industries, which must be left to the Regional Boards and their local or district committees to assess.

Mr. Osborne

May 1 first congratulate the Minister—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] —Oh, yes—on getting the workers and the employers together on this? Will he see that the agreements that responsible trade union leaders make are not broken by the unofficial shop stewards?

Mr. Isaacs

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's reference. We have no authority or power to see that these strikes do not occur, but I would like to emphasise once again that unofficial action like that is not only detrimental to the proper authority of the trade unions, but, in present circumstances, highly detrimental to the welfare of the country.

Mr. Harrison

Failing agreement among many firms to co-operate fully in the difficult problem of staggering working hours, would the Minister be prepared to con sider some form of compulsion?

Mr. Isaacs

That question is under consideration. We have the views of the Joint Advisory Council, and I hope to make a statement, probably next week, as to what steps are being taken.

Mr. Hobson

Would the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Home Secretary for the abolition of double summer-time, which is a contributory cause of the shedding of the load ?

Mr. Isaacs

There is some difference of opinion whether double summer-time is an advantage or a disadvantage.