§ 5. Mr. Boardmanasked the Minister of Labour whether, following the decision of this House on the subject of equal pay in the Civil Service and localauthority service, he will now promote discussion by the National Joint Advisory Council with a view to early application of the principle in industry generally.
§ Sir W. MoncktonAs the hon. Member knows the responsibility for determining wages and conditions of employment in industry, including the application of the principle of equal pay, rests with the negotiating bodies in each industry. I do not think, therefore, that it is necessary for me to arrange for a discussion by the National Joint Advisory Council.
§ Mr. BoardmanIn view of the need to match any increase in administrative costs with an increase in production, will the Minister give every encouragement to those employed in productive industry?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI hope to give encouragement to all employed in such industries, but I cannot answer the Question put to me otherwise than in the way I have.
§ Mr. BoardmanIf the Minister is not prepared to take the initiative in this, then he is only letting the cart go before the horse, which will certainly be dangerous.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI have so far learned that the horse, consisting of the employers and trade unions, has led the cart on better than I can push it.