HC Deb 14 February 1957 vol 564 cc1447-8
Mr. Robens

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make about the dispute between the Electrical Power Engineers' Association and the Central Electricity Authority.

The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)

Perhaps the House will allow me, first, to say how glad we all are to see the right hon. Gentleman back in his place again.

I understand that negotiations have been going on for some time between the Association and the Authority about a salary claim. These negotiations were recently broken off by the Association.

As regards the reported decision of the Association to instruct its members to work to rule, I am informed that the Central Electricity Authority has not, so far, received an official notification of this action.

The Authority is considering whether to refer the matter to my Department, whose services are, of course, available to them.

Mr. Robens

Does not the Minister agree that the action proposed to be taken by the trade union concerned might easily cause considerable dislocation at peak hours, especially to industry and the travelling public? Secondly, does not he agree that no responsible trade association or trade union, such as this is, would take such an action unless under intense irritation? Does not he know from his experience as Minister of Labour that one of the most irritating things, which causes the greatest difficulty between workers and management, is the long delay in negotiations? This matter has been discussed now for 15 months.

To prevent any worsening in the situation, and to enable the union to withdraw the notice which it has sent to its members, will the Minister undertake to use his good offices to bring the union and the Authority representatives together to heal the breach, so to speak, and to enable the negotiations to continue from where they left off?

Mr. Macleod

It is true that serious consequences might flow from such a decision, although one cannot be too precise about what those consequences may be. I attach the greatest importance to trade union procedure, as I am sure the right hon. Gentleman does, as a previous Minister of Labour. Trade union procedure has not been exhausted in this matter. In particular, at the request of one side alone an unresolved dispute can be referred to arbitration, and I had hoped that that course would follow. I recognise the feelings which have arisen in this matter, and I respond to the right hon. Gentleman's approach. I am very ready to see whether, and, if so, how, my Department can best be of service.