HC Deb 20 January 1964 vol 687 cc689-90
6. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Labour whether, following the Report of Lord Cameron into the complaint made by the National Union of Bank Employees, he will hold talks with the National Union of Bank Employees, the Bank Staff Associations and with the managements of the banks, with a view to settling the question of the refusal of the banks to recognise the National Union of Bank Employees as representing its members.

9. Mr. Hector

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the policy of the Government in relation to the Report of Lord Cameron and the National Union of Bank Employees.

19. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to assist the establishment of proper machinery whereby the National Union of Bank Employees can exercise normal rights of representation on behalf of its members, as suggested in paragraph 326 of Lord Cameron's Report.

Mr. Godber

My officers have been in touch with all the parties on matters arising from Lord Cameron's Report. Representatives of the four banks concerned in the inquiry have been invited to discuss with my officers the suggestion in paragraph 326 of Lord Cameron's Report, and I hope there will be an early meeting.

Mr. Lubbock

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether the representatives of the four banks now agree that there are no reasons for their refusal to accept oral representations from the National Union of Bank Employees as well as written ones?

Mr. Godber

This is one of the matters that I am seeking to explore at the moment. I do not think it would help if I were to comment until I have had further discussions with the parties.

Mr. Prentice

I welcome the fact that the Minister is going to have some meetings, but does he not agree that this trouble might have been avoided if a similar initiative had been taken by his predecessors? Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in touch with the prob- lem and bring home to the banks the fact that their refusal to meet the unions is out of date and out of touch with modern practice in the commercial world?

Mr. Godber

The position is not satisfactory. I would not accept that my predecessors have not done all they could. There are very strong feelings on both sides. I have discussed the matter informally with various people concerned, and one comes up against these prejudices, which are very real. There is no point in my saying more until I have explored the matter further.

Mr. Marsh

Would the Minister not agree as a point of principle that there can be no reason in 1964 for an employing authority to refuse to negotiate with a bona fide trade union which has a large number of employees in its organisation?

Mr. Godber

I should not like to make any further comment than I have already made. I think it is better that I should try to make progress. I am sure the hon. Member appreciates the many difficulties which exist. I want to make progress, just as he does.

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