§ 20. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Labour what consultations he is having, or intends to have, with the banks, and with the National Union of Bank Employees, on the operation of the Payment of Wages Act, 1960.
§ Mr. HareThe banks have given me in confidence information about the payment of wages direct into bank accounts. This is being studied and I propose to consult the Trades Union Congress and other interested organisations very soon about the fixing of an appointed day authorising payment of wages by cheque. As the hon. Member knows, the National Union of Bank Employees is affiliated to the Trades Union Congress.
§ Mr. PrenticeWill the Minister consider this matter with a view to consulting the National Union of Bank Employees directly, both because of the union's obvious concern in this matter and also because he could use this as an opportunity to give the banks themselves an example of consulting bona fide trade unions in banking?
§ Mr. HareI do not think that the hon. Member is right in saying that bank employees are universally represented by N.U.B.E. They are not. I said that N.U.B.E. is affiliated to the T.U.C. I am prepared to consider the views of any interested organisation. I am prepared to consider the views of N.U.B.E. or the Central Council of Banks Staffs Association in any representations which they care to put to me.