§ 5. Sir Richard Glynasked the Minister of Labour whether the figures published in the Ministry of Labour Gazettefor stoppages of work due to industrial disputes in 1961 include days lost through unofficial as well as official strikes; and whether he will name the three industries which lost most days per 1,000 employees through unofficial strikes in 1961, and give the number of days lost per 1,000 employees in each case.
§ Mr. HareThe answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes". There are difficulties in defining and classifying strikes as official and unofficial. The three industries which lost most days per 1,000 employees through strikes not stated to be official were coal-mining, the docks and the motor industry. It is estimated that the number of days lost per 1,000 employees in these industries fell within the ranges 1,000–1,500. 500–1,000 and 500–1,000, respectively.
§ Sir Richard GlynCan my right hon. Friend tell the House whether it is true that the greater number of these unofficial strikes are also unconstitutional in the sense that they are in breach of agreed disputes procedure? Do the figures he has given include men thrown out of work who were not actually on strike but were put out of work as a result of dislocation in production following unofficial strikes? Is it possible for consultation with the trade union leaders to stop this happening?
§ Mr. HareThese figures do not include those thrown out of work because of the action of unofficial strikers. In the last few years, I think there has been a stronger recognition on both sides of industry of the damage which is done in this way. I was glad to notice the speech made by the hon. Member for Southwark (Mr. Gunter) on this subject the other day.