HC Deb 11 July 1966 vol 731 cc949-51
11. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Labour when the Royal Commission on Trades Unions and Employers' Organisations will make its Report.

37. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Minister of Labour when he expects the Royal Commission on Trade Unions to report.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I would refer the hon. Members to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21st June to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Charles Morrison).

Mr. Ridley

Is it not a disaster that this valuable Royal Commission should be filibustered away by the trade unions refusing to give their official evidence? Has the hon. Lady any idea when we may expect this evidence? Will she undertake that legislation will proceed, because we cannot afford to wait to reform the trade unions until the Report may be received?

Mrs. Williams

The hon. Member will he aware that the Royal Commission, which we also regard as important, was established only during the time of the present Government. In answer to the rest of his Question, I would point out that a great many trade unions have given evidence, but some evidence is admittedly still awaited. The hon. Member will, however, be aware that a number of surveys have been put in hand by the Commission, but reports on them have not yet been made.

Mr. Lewis

Does not the hon. Lady think that, in the present situation, if the Commission is allowed to go on for another period of months, or it may be a year or two, it will be fiddling while the economy burns?

Mrs. Williams

The hon. Member will be aware that in our view it is more important to get a thorough and careful report which is factually accurate than to get one which is pushed forward for reasons of public pressure.

Sir K. Joseph

Did the Minister ask for an interim report, and, if so, what reply did the Commission give him; or has the Commission asked the Minister whether he would like an interim report, and, if so, what reply did he give?

Mrs. Williams

The Commission pointed out with regard to an interim report that there were a number of interrelated problems which would make it difficult to produce an interim report.

Sir K. Joseph

The hon. Lady has not answered my question. Did the Commission ask whether the Minister wanted an interim report? If so, what reply did he give? Or was the Commission's observation to which the hon. Lady has referred in reply to a request from the Minister, and, if so, what reply did the Commission give?

Mrs. Williams

The former part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is correct.

Sir K. Joseph rose

—

Mr. Speaker

Next Question.

Mr. Ridley

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.