HC Deb 06 December 1965 vol 722 cc15-6
30. Mr. Mawby

asked the Minister of Labour how many trades disputes he has referred to arbitration under Section 2 of the Industrial Courts Act, 1919 in the last year to the most convenient date.

Mr. Gunter

There were 68 in the year ended 30th November, 1965.

Mr. Mawby

I thank the Minister for that reply. He is obviously aware that arbitration is preferable to strike action, but is he satisfied that the same reasonably happy position will apply—or what will be the position—if an arbitration de- cision is reached with which the Prices and Incomes Board disagrees? Will the arbitration decision be upheld, and remain the decision, regardless of what the Board decides?

Mr. Gunter

The hon. Member should really not draw me into a much wider argument than his Question justifies.