§ 21. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement about the labour disputes which have held up work on the new section of the Kincardine Power Station; and what was their duration and extent.
§ Mr. HareAccording to my information there have been seven unofficial stoppages during the three years the new section has been under construction. Their duration has varied from four days to eight weeks and about 4,200 working days have been lost.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chief engineer seemed to attribute the delay in completing the station to these labour stoppages, but, as my information is that it was due to technical troubles and growing pains in the installation of the machinery, is it not right that when statements are made a fair picture should be given and that there should not be this continual effort to accuse the workers of being responsible for all delays?
§ Mr. HareI am all for fair accounts being given, but, obviously, these stoppages contributed to the delay in the building of the station. The right hon. Gentleman will have realised that from the answer which I have given. He also knows, however, that I have been concerned about the troubles that have taken place on these large construction sites. I have, therefore, asked the employers and the trade unions in the industry to 1342 get together with me to see whether we can work out better arrangements for dealing with the complaints and troubles which are so often associated with large construction sites.