§ 4. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the disapproval of the Coventry District Committee of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions at the functioning of fee-charging employment agencies in the city at a time of serious redundancy: and what action he proposes to take following the further information supplied to him by the hon. Member for Coventry, South.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI have received no further information since I replied to the hon. Member on this subject on 22nd January.
§ Miss BurtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the unions in Coventry are so disturbed at the position that at the February meeting of the Confederation a decision is to be taken whether or not to take militant action? Is he further aware that other employment agencies in the Midlands regard these fee-charging agencies as pirate agencies? If the L.C.C. has some power of control in this matter, is that not possible in Coventry?
§ Mr. MacleodIt is true that some local authorities, including London but not including Coventry, have local legislation on this matter. I dare say that question can be pursued separately. In relation to the major question, I have studied all the representations that have been made. I have nothing to add about the position on the question of legislation as it was outlined by the former Home Secretary just before Christmas.