HC Deb 28 February 1952 vol 496 cc1439-40
24. Mr. Mulley

asked the Minister of Labour if he will arrange for the publication of a revised edition of the Industrial Relations Handbook.

Sir W. Monckton

A revised edition is being prepared. Meanwhile, the present edition should be read in conjunction with the supplements which have been issued.

Mr. Mulley

Does the Minister appreciate that this decision will be received with gratitude by all those concerned in industrial problems? Will he expedite that new edition and, meantime, issue supplements to cover the changes which have taken place, particularly under the new Notification of Engagement Order, since the supplements were last issued?

Sir W. Monckton

The only thing holding up immediate issue is printing trouble and getting rid of some of the stocks of the old issue. I will consider what supplements should be issued in the meantime.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

When the handbook is available, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman send a copy to the hon. Member for Lanark (Mr. Maitland)?

Mrs. E. M. Braddock

If this handbook has not been completely revised, will the Minister see if it is possible to get a statement from the Federation of British Industries similar to that issued by the Trades Union Congress, because industrial relations are a two-way matter and there is evidence that employers are taking advantage of the situation to get rid of good shop stewards in industry?

Sir W. Monckton

I do not know that any amendment of the document would be required, but I ought to say that I have had, and desire to acknowledge, co-operation from both sides of industry in dealing with this matter.