HC Deb 01 August 1963 vol 682 cc636-7
29. Dr. Stross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take to ensure that the Tower of London and the national art institutions will be open to the public during the weekend of the Bank holiday.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 25th July. Arbitration is still of course open to the Civil Service Union.

Dr. Stross

Is the Chief Secretary aware that many people think that arbitration which is open to the union—and which would reach a decision by about October, quite a long time ahead—is not satisfactory when there is virtually nothing to arbitrate about because the Treasury has not offered anything in reply to the rightful demands of the men? I beg the right hon. Gentleman to consider the implications of this dispute, especially for the coming Bank Holiday. Will he not, therefore, consider making either a reasonable financial increase to the men, which will mean that we will avoid any closures, or otherwise appoint a conciliation officer, rather than leaving it to unsatisfactory arbitration? I beg him, for many reasons, to say something at this time.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The adequacy or otherwise of the Treasury offer does not restrict the union in any way from arbitration. The issues on whatever claim the union cares to put forward could be properly arbitrated. The union has a clear alternative; either to accept the offer made to it or to reject it and go to arbitration. I very much regret the disappointment suffered by tourists, holiday-makers and others, but I am quite sure that this matter can be sensibly resolved if the union takes either of the constitutional courses open to it.

Dr. Stross

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that he appointed Lord Bridges to make a Report on security after the theft of the Goya, that that Report was made in June of last year, a considerable time ago, and that its two main recommendations were that there should be improvements in conditions and pay, though neither of these have, I believe, been offered by the Treasury?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I cannot accept what the hon. Member stated in the last part of that supplementary question. If the proposals made are deemed to be inadequate by the union, it has constitutional means open to it, without causing disappointment to people who are not connected with the dispute.