HC Deb 20 January 1964 vol 687 cc696-7
21. Mr. Emrys Hughes

the Minister of Labour how many people are now unemployed as the result of a dispute at the plastic factory at Mauchline, Ayrshire; and what steps he is taking to deal with the situation

Mr. Whitelaw

The firm dismissed 31 of its employees who stopped work to attend a meeting outside the factory on the previous afternoon. One of the employees has since been reinstated. My information is that the others are still unemployed. At the request of the Association of Supervisory Staffs, Executives and Technicians our Industrial Relations Officer for Scotland has discussed the position with the management. The management is not prepared to meet the Association. The Association has submitted a complaint that the firm is not observing the Fair Wages Resolution of this House and the complaint is under consideration.

Mr. Hughes

Does the hon. Member agree that, in these enlightened days of labour relationships, employees are entitled to belong to a trade union of their choice? Will he bear this in mind in further negotiations?

Mr. Whitelaw

It is important that we should seek to do everything we can to resolve this problem. I prefer not to comment further at this moment.

Mr. Manuel

If this allegation about the Fair Wages Resolution not being observed is correct, it is a very serious position, especially if Government or local authority contracts are being secured by this firm. It is a breach of the rules governing such contracts.

Mr. Whitelaw

Certainly. That is why we are investigating this matter particularly carefully.