HC Deb 16 March 1964 vol 691 cc964-6
6. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Labour if he has had his proposed discussion with the four banks concerned on the suggestion in paragraph 326 of Lord Cameron's Report relating to the conditions of service of bank employees, on the lines of the complaint made by the National Union of Bank Employees; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Godber

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Ham, North (Mr. Prentice) on 9th March.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the reply he refers to was a very inconclusive one'? Will he not give a date when this very important matter concerning very important public servants should be dealt with? Will he expedite the matter?

Mr. Godber

I am hoping to have further talks with the other parties concerned in the not-too-distant future. I agree that I want to make progress, but, as I indicated last time, I do not want to comment in detail at this stage.

Mr. Prentice

A week ago, when answering Questions, the Minister did not want to be drawn on his own attitude on this matter. Will he at least go as far as to say that he takes the view as Minister of Labour that all workers, including bank employees, are entitled to representation with their employers when they form a bona fide trade union which organises a substantial proportion of the staff?

Mr. Godber

I must deny myself the luxury of criticism of one side or the other at present. There are points in this which, as the hon. Gentleman is fully aware, are very complicated. I want to give myself the best opportunity of making progress.

Mr. Prentice

This is admittedly a very complicated situation, as is shown by the Cameron Report. Is there not one simple principle here, that people are entitled to representation? Is not this recognised by a very large part of industry and commerce? Has not this principle been supported very often by the Minister's predecessor? Why cannot he come out in public and say that he supports the principle in this context?

Mr. Godber

I think that the hon. Gentleman fully realises the attitude of the Government in regard to matters of this sort. However, I have indicated that, for the reasons I have given, I do not want to comment on this particular matter.

25. Mr. Longden

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now take steps to contribute from public funds towards the legal expenses properly incurred by the Bank Staff Associations arising out of the inquiry recently conducted by Lord Cameron at the Government's request into a complaint against the Government made by the National Union of Bank Employees to the International Labour Organisation.

Mr. Godber

I have explained to the bank staff associations that the Government do not feel able to make a contribution to the expenses they incurred in connection with Lord Cameron's inquiry.

Mr. Longden

Is not this rather unfair? Was not the inquiry set up entirely for the purpose of giving the Ministry some information—which according to the bank staff it already had? Could the Government not see their way to making some contribution to the necessary expenses? Obviously, the bank staffs have had to employ counsel for this business.

Mr. Godber

I have invited the staff associations to come to see me on this and other matters. I am perfectly willing to hear what they have to say, but I must point out that in no circumstances previously have the Government made contributions of this nature, and it would be very difficult for me to establish a precedent in this case.

Mr. Longden

I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for saying that he will see thy; staff associations to discuss the matter afterwards, as I really think they have a point here.