§ 28. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Labour if he is yet in a position to state his intentions as to the continuance in force of Statutory Instrument 1305 of 1940.
§ Mr. RobensNo, Sir. My discussions with industry are not yet complete.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the fact that, according to reports, a draft of the new order is being discussed with both sides of industry, is it not time that an indication of what is in the Government's mind was given to this House?
§ Mr. RobensIt is right, I agree, that the House should have the order as quickly as possible. What I have already done is to circulate some principles to be incorporated in an order. They are being discussed now, and I am hoping that before the House rises for the Summer Recess I shall be able to present something to it.
§ Mr. Henry StraussSince the topics dealt with in this Order are difficult, important and controversial, will the Minister bear in mind that it may possibly be better to embody the results of his consideration in legislation which can be discussed by this House rather than in a new Order?
§ Mr. RobensThat may very well be, but I am sure the hon. and learned Gentleman will agree that I must really discuss this matter thoroughly with the employers and the trade unions, and, to some extent, take their advice on it.
§ Sir H. WilliamsAre not the general public the senior partners in this matter? They are more numerous than all the members of the employers' organisations or the trade unions.
§ Mr. RobensThe general public are, of course, greatly involved. These discussions are ranging over the livelihood of 23,500,000 people working in industry, and they are the general public.