§ 36. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Labour what correspondence he has had with the Confederation of British Indus tries about the recognition by member firms and companies of full collective bargaining and trade union rights on salaries and conditions for staff employees which has obtained for some time in the nationalised industries and the public services.
§ Mr. GunterNone, Sir.
§ Mr. PalmerWould my right hon. Friend agree that much of private industry is still backward in its recognition of the collective bargaining rights of staff employees? Will he ask the Confederation of British industry, which is supposed to be having a new look at these things, whether it could be a little more helpful than it has recently been in this matter?
§ Mr. GunterOn the latter part of the question, I think that I can say, on behalf of the Confederation of British Industries, that it appears to be becoming a little more helpful. On the first part, I agree that collective bargaining ought to prevail in this area as much as in any other.