HC Deb 12 December 1962 vol 669 cc390-1
12. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Labour how many days were lost per man, in the last 12 months far which figures are available, by workers in the motor industry who engaged in strikes either official or unofficial.

Mr. Hare

For the 12 months ended 31st October, 1962, the figure was 1.73 days.

Mr. Edelman

is it not the case that, although regrettable, these figures are relatively not high? Will not the right hon. Gentleman go into the basic causes of the strikes, such as they are, before yielding to the drummed-up agitation of his hon. Friends in favour of legislation to limit the right to strike?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Member knows perfectly well that I have paid a great deal of attention to the causes of the trouble in the motor industry in particular. I am glad to say that there is a small decline in the number of days lost through unofficial disputes this year compared with last year. I will continue to watch the situation very carefully. I do not think that there is much relevance in the other part of the hon. Member's supplementary question.

Mr. Cleaver

Can my right hon. Friend say what progress has been made in his talks with the employers and trade unions in this industry?

Mr. Hare

Since last February, there have been a number of unofficial strikes in the motor industry which have been very damaging to the industry as a whole and to those who work in it. However, no unofficial strike since last February has got anyone anywhere. The unions have not supported them and the employers have not given in. It has, therefore, been shown fairly conclusively, since last February, that unofficial strikes do neither side of industry the slightest good.

Mr. Marsh

Is it not important that it should be made quite clear, for the benefit of some of the right hon. Gentleman's hon. Friends, that the strike performance of this country is much better than that of almost all other industrial Powers, despite the fact that their productivity is better than ours? On this issue of strikes in the motor car industry, is it not also important to try to find out why these strikes should be largely confined to one motor car company which appears to find trouble wherever it goes, although its competitors do not?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Member is quite right when he says that our record of industrial strikes is better than that of most other major industrial countries, although it is not as good as that of West Germany. But that does not mean that any of us should feel complacent. There is a tremendous amount which we have to do, but which can be done with good will on both sides of industry, to improve our existing record.

Mr. Gunter

In view of the agitation by some of the right hon. Gentleman's hon. Friends, as is shown by the Order Paper, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that great damage could be done by the simple allocation of blame for official strikes on the men when many of them arise through appallingly bad management at middle levels?

Mr. Hare

I think that this is not a subject for debate. I believe that there is a general desire in industry and in the House to work towards better industrial relations. I should like that spirit to be continued and to achieve results.