HC Deb 26 July 1956 vol 557 cc621-2
25. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Labour why, in view of the inevitable repercussions of the absence of notice, he proffered no advice to the British Motor Corporation about consultation on dismissals during the two days when he had advance notice that the dismissals were to be summarily announced.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him of 12th July.

Mr. Chapman

The Minister then only said that he was not asked for advice, and I asked him why he had not offered it. If it was not conventional for him to offer advice, would it not have been better to break a few rules in order to avoid the present tragedy? Do the Government really mean what they say when they express horror at the action of Sir Leonard Lord? Does the Minister really believe that he was powerless and impotent on those two days to do something to prevent it all happening?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that at all. I said in my answer that this information was given to me privately, for my information. There was no question of my advice being sought.

Mr. Shinwell

In order to avoid further trouble arising out of this matter, would the right hon. Gentleman, when information is conveyed to his Department with the possibility of similar dismissals, advise the firms concerned immediately to consult the trade unions?

Mr. Macleod

I doubt whether I have made a speech since I became Minister of Labour in which I have not stressed at all stages the necessity for consultation. I am very happy to do it again. If a suitable opportunity arises, I will, if necessary, bring that to the notice of the particular firm. In this case, the notice given was so short that it would have been quite ineffective.

Mr. Jay

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the Conservative Industrial Charter which proposes legislation to see that, in the case of dismissals, there should be long notice and adequate compensation?

Mr. Macleod

The Conservative Industrial Charter is one of the most enlightened documents on industrial relations that has been produced since the war, and it is indeed a great encouragement to us all to find that a great many people on both sides of the House who are interested in industrial problems are turning to the solutions which it propounds.

Mr. Jay

Does the Minister think that the 6,000 men who have lost their jobs will be satisfied with that answer?

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