HC Deb 04 November 1954 vol 532 cc594-5
44. Sir R. Acland

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement about the strike in the ship-repairing industry.

Sir W. Monckton

This strike began on 11th September in protest against the dismissal on redundancy of three electricians employed by a federated ship-repairing firm, and in support of a contention that the order of discharge should be on the basis of "last in, first out." It now involves some 8,000 workers. I understand that, following a recent communication from the employers, the unions concerned have asked for a meeting with them.

Sir R. Acland

I appreciate that the Minister cannot do anything further in this situation but, as redundancy is likely to cause a good deal of trouble, would he consider asking such a body as the Committee on Human Relations to inquire into, and report on, the procedure that should be followed between employers and workers when redundancy threatens? In particular, if I get him the set of rules which is adopted in this matter by a very go-ahead, privately-owned firm, would he forward it to the employers in this industry in the hope that they might adopt something of the kind?

Sir W. Monckton

If the hon. Member will let me have a copy of the rules to which he refers, I shall consider what I can do.