HC Deb 05 July 1966 vol 731 cc238-40
26. Mr. Winnick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the decision by the London Borough of Camden Council to ensure that all contracts have a clause barring any form of discrimination, what progress has been made in inserting a similar clause in all contracts with Government Departments.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. James Callaghan)

The Government are opposed to discriminatory practices wherever they occur, and are considering urgently the best means to ensure that Government contractors do not engage in racial discrimination.

Mr. Winnick

May I ask the Chancellor whether the Government are willing to agree in principle to such a clause appearing at a later stage in Government contracts? Can the Chancellor say what progress is now taking place in considering the possibility of inserting such a clause in Government contracts?

Mr. Callaghan

The principle is quite clear. How far it can be embodied in a particular contract, or in Government contracts generally, is now the subject of consultations between Departments and with others outside the Government.

Mr. Iain Macleod

This Question does not say anything about racial discrimination. Is the Chancellor equally prepared to condemn, as I am, say, racial discrimination and, for example, discrimination between contractors who may or may not employ wholly union labour?

Mr. Callaghan

There is a Question later on the Notice Paper about the negotiations with trade unions, but I must say that I was assuming that my hon. Friend was referring to racial discrimination, because that was what the contract of the London Borough of Camden Council referred to.

30. Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instruct Ministers not to place contracts with firms which refuse to recognise or negotiate with trade unions.

Mr. Callaghan

Government contractors have to comply with the Fair Wages Resolution, which deals with wages, conditions and membership of trade unions. If my hon. Friend knows of any particular cases of difficulty, I am sure the appropriate Minister will be glad to help him.

Mr. Walker

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he would look at the Written Answer given by the Minister of Labour in yesterday's OFFICIAL REPORT, concerning a firm in my constituency which depends very largely on Government contracts for its existence and which refuses to recognise or negotiate with trade unions involved? In view of the pledge given by our party at the General Election to legislate against such firms, may I invite him to anticipate that legislation?

Mr. Callaghan

I will certainly look at this because it is quite clear that firms, in their own interests, should be willing to negotiate with well-organised and recognised trade unions. There is no better path to industrial peace.

Mrs. Knight

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to assure this House that he will not accede to the desires of various of his hon. Friends and curtail the freedom of firms to run their businesses as they see fit?

Mr. Callaghan

That seems to be asking me to give an assurance which I clearly have not given in the original reply.