HC Deb 05 June 1951 vol 488 cc784-5
3. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the results of his representations to the nationalised industries on the subject of the making-up of pay of employees of those industries recalled to the Forces.

Mr. Robens

I have made no such representations. This is a matter for the industries themselves to determine through the appropriate negotiating machinery.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is it not the duty of His Majesty's Government to indicate their views on a matter of importance to the industries they control, and is it not anomalous that legislation should at present be before the House to enable local authorities to do what His Majesty's Government will not raise a finger to persuade nationalised industries to do?

Mr. Robens

That, of course, is not a fact. The nationalised industries understand the Government's position on this point and are at present considering their action.

Mr. Butcher

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that he is leaving it entirely free for one nationalised industry to move in one direction and another nationalised industry to take quite another decision in the opposite direction?

Mr. Robens

Certainly. The nationalised industries must be free to deal with these matters through the proper negotiating machinery which has been set up.

Mr. Pannell

Will my right hon. Friend make representations to see that whatever financial obligations are laid upon the nationalised industries will also be laid upon private employers?

Major Guy Lloyd

Is the House to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's statement that he does not think it is a good thing for the Government to exercise any control over the nationalised industries?

Mr. Robens

The Government exercise control over the nationalised industries through the appropriate Ministers in charge of them by the authority they have under the Acts to make directions. This is not a matter which requires a direction at this stage. I have said that the nationalised industries are considering it at the moment. In point of fact, the Government themselves have not yet reached a decision on the matter.