HC Deb 27 January 1964 vol 688 cc20-2
32. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to increase the efficiency of British industry, he will now introduce legislation to make illegal all those practices artificially restricting the proper employment of labour and machinery which can no longer be proved to be in the best interests of the nation as a whole.

Mr. Godber

I am giving much thought to this problem, but I have no plans for legislation on it.

Sir J. Eden

Since we have heard that there is an intention to strengthen action against monopolies, since we have it clear in our minds that somewhat dramatic measures will be taken to increase the efficiency of the distributive trade, and since we are given constant reminders of the need to hold prices steady and to increase exports, is it not essential that we take equally vigorous action to relieve industry from these outdated and costly practices?

Mr. Godber

We must do all that we can to abolish restrictive practices, in whatever form they appear. I believe that the best way to make progress is through identifying and eliminating these practices by discussion and negotiation between employers and workers concerned. This is a constantly changing field. Various Questions which I have had today show the problems of the impact of technological change. This is a difficult problem, and we must have a real impetus from both sides of industry to help us overcome it.

Mr. G. Thomas

The Minister said that he is considering these practices. Will he tell the House which practices in particular he has under consideration?

Mr. Godber

I would simply refer to an agreement, only recently arrived at, aiming at greater efficiency in the dock industry. Discussions which, it is hoped, will lead to similar agreements are envisaged in the printing and shipbuilding industries. We are trying to make progress by constant efforts in various different sectors.

Sir J. Eden

Can my right hon. Friend say what progress has so far been made in these consultations and discussions? Is he getting anywhere with them? Have they produced any tangible result?

Mr. Godber

The one to which I have just referred has produced results, but there are many others in which I should like to have made further progress. Certainly, I do not for one moment minimise the importance of making progress in this field.

Mr. Lipton

Is it not a fact that the Government have quite enough on their plate with their policy in relation to resale price maintenance without undertaking the further obligations and problems suggested to the Minister by his hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, West (Sir J. Eden)?

Mr. Godber

This Government can undertake and surmount all problems. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]