HC Deb 07 May 1956 vol 552 c809
19. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to announce the result of his consideration of the arrangements under which increased wage rates are reflected in prices which he pays to contractors

Mr. Turton

I hope shortly to arrange for discussion with the particular contractors concerned

Mr. Mikardo

Will the right hon. Gentleman hurry up this long-delayed procedure? Is it not silly that at a time when we are trying to shorten and simplify the processes of wage negotiation the right hon. Gentleman's legislation compels a contractor who has agreed a wage level with the trade unions not to implement it until they have gone to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal? Is this not a silly anomaly, and ought not the Minister to get rid of it as soon as possible?

Mr. Turton

This is not a question of legislation. I understand that the hon. Member is interested in the Association of Supervisory Staffs, Executives and Technicians. In fact, as long ago as February, 1956, my Department told the contractor that it would make the appropriate differential increases to members of A.S.S.E.T. under the clause without insisting upon reference to the Tribunal, and similar action was taken in April in regard to another contractor.

Mr. Mikardo

Is the Minister aware that he is under a gross misapprehension and that my interest is a general one with regard to the whole procedure, which is utterly silly? The fact that the right hon. Gentleman has had to depart from his silly procedure in one or two such cases ought to hurry up his getting rid of the procedure altogether

Mr. Turton

I have already told the House that I am looking into this clause of the agreement. I apologise to the hon. Member for thinking that his interests were in any way confined