HC Deb 26 June 1961 vol 643 cc12-3
16. Mr. Lee

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Terms and Conditions of Employment Act, 1959, is not providing satisfactory arbitration procedure; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Mr. Hare

I have had representations made to me on various points, but I think that during the short period the Act has been in operation it has been fulfilling the purpose for which it was intended. I have no action in mind at the present time.

Mr. Lee

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that N.A.L.G.O. is experiencing great difficulty with certain local authorities which will not honour agreements? Does he realise that when the Industrial Disputes Tribunal went out of being it left a gap, as some of us on this side of the House said at the time it would? If we cannot have some form of arbitration to take the place of the Tribunal, we may well see unrest because of the lack of facilities for the unions to go to arbitration.

Mr. Hare

I understand what the hon. Member has in mind, but I think we need more experience of the existing legislation before we think about possible revision.