HC Deb 28 November 1961 vol 650 cc216-8
11. Mr. Edelman

asked the President of the Board of Trade his estimate of the loss of exports in the motor industry this year due to industrial disputes; and what action he is taking in order to maintain the level of exports in this industry.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend is unable to make an estimate, but there can be no doubt that industrial disputes have led to a loss of motor vehicle exports. I very much welcome the discussion which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is having with leading employers and trade union officials about industrial relations in the industry. The Board of Trade is in close touch with the industry about exports and will continue to give all the assistance it can.

Mr. Edelman

Is it not clear that the dispute at Acton, now entering its thirteenth week, is not only causing great hardship to the people who are concerned, but in itself is a matter of national concern because of its effect on exports? Is it not further the case that the attitude of unconditional surrender which seems to have been taken up can lead only to a hardening of attitudes and leave behind a legacy of bitterness? In view of the fact that nearly 5,000 workers in Coventry are suffering consequentially from the strike at Acton, is it not now time for the Government to intervene in this strike to try to bring the sides together and produce a just settlement which will enable everyone to get back to work and play their proper part in the export drive?

Sir K. Joseph

The hon. Member will know that those questions are not for me; but it is, of course, extremely sad for the country that exports are being lost.

Mr. Cleaver

Would my hon. Friend agree that one of the worst effects of these strikes is the bad reputation that it gives us abroad?

Mr. Lee

Would not the Minister agree that no matter what arrangements have gone wrong at Acton, certainly these men have not broken anything like the number of industrial agreements that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has just broken? When discussing this matter with the Ministry of Labour, will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration that in this instance the President of the A.E.U. has asked the Minister to intervene but that the Minister has said that, because the strike is unofficial, he will not do so? Will not the Minister of State say to his right hon. Friend that it is now becoming such an aggravated dispute that he ought to intervene?

Mr. Speaker

None of this is in the realm of responsibility of this Minister.