§ 22. Mr. K. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour how many industrial stoppages occurred in the United Kingdom in 1963; how this figure compares with 1962; and how many of these stoppages required the intervention of the conciliation services of his Department.
§ Mr. GodberIn 1963, there were 2,067 stoppages of work due to industrial disputes in the United Kingdom compared with 2,449 in 1962. My conciliation officers intervened in approximately 65 of these disputes in 1963.
§ Mr. LewisI appreciate that a great many of these strikes are small and of short duration, but would it not be desirable for the conciliation machinery of the Ministry to be used more frequently in the larger strikes, or would my right hon. Friend consider the possibility even of initiating discussions with the trade unions to see whether a vote could be taken in order to determine whether conciliation or arbitration is required by the men involved?
§ Mr. GodberThese are widespread problems to which a great deal of thought must be given. I should point out, however, that in 1963 the number of working days lost through stoppages was one-third of the days lost in 1962 and was, in fact, the lowest figure since 1951. This does show an improvement.