§ Ql. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the damage which the recent court decision in the cases of Rookes v. Barnard and Stratford v. Lindley has caused to the interests of workers who are trade unionists; and if he will state his plans to minimise or rectify that damage.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)We have undertaken to introduce during this Session a Bill to give workers and their representatives the protection necessary for freedom of industrial negotiation.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Prime Minister realise that the problems presented by these decisions are of the utmost importance to trade unionists and will he see that solutions are expedited?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. We have made clear that a Bill will be introduced in the House and will be debated.
§ Mr. RidleyBefore the Prime Minister redeems his pledge, will he consider whether he is quite certain that it is right to give trade union leaders the right to force people out of employment under the protection of the law?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will study what I said in a speech to the T.U.C. on this question. I said that we were concerned with putting right that aspect of the law which was never thought to have been in doubt 60 years ago. I said that we did not intend to raise any fundamental question of human rights in dealing with it.