Company, Brentford

HC Deb 21 February 1957 vol 565 cc591-2

43. Mr. Robens

asked the Minister of Labour what report his factory inspector has made on working conditions at the factory of the Durable Rubber Manufacturing Company Limited, Great Western Road, Brentford, Middlesex.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The factory was visited twice in 1956 and on 4th January of this year. Certain points are being followed up by the Inspectorate and I will be writing to the right hon. Gentleman to give him details.

44. Mr. Robens

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the strike which commenced on 3rd December, 1956, at the Durable Rubber Manufacturing Company Limited, Great Western Road, Brentford, Middlesex; and if the help if his Department's conciliation officers has yet been requested.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Some 80 employees of the company withdrew their labour on 3rd December following the dismissal of one of the workers. Before the strike the trade union concerned had sought the assistance of my regional officer in efforts to secure a meeting with the company to discuss recognition and conditions of employment. The firm refused to meet the union and has since adhered to that decision. My regional officer will keep in touch with the parties and take any opportunity of assisting towards a settlement.

Mr. Robens

Is not this firm doing business with local authorities and other concerns which observe the fair wages clause, and would not the right hon. Gentleman urge upon his local officials to make representations to the firm that the recognition of this union is reasonable? Is it not a fact that this strike could easily be ended if recognition of this trade union were accepted and if arrangements were made for a proper wage agreement to be entered into?

Mr. Macleod

I believe that the firm makes mainly hot water bottles. I do not know how many it makes for local authorities. No doubt, there are local authority contracts, and I take that point into account. This really is a matter of principle which is linked with my Answer to an earlier Question, and I am bound to say that in these matters I, as the Minister of Labour, have no standing, and it is right that that should be so.