HC Deb 16 May 1966 vol 728 cc905-6
31. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce legislation to provide safeguards against arbitrary dismissal.

Mr. Gunter

The subject of dismissal procedures is being considered by a Committee of my National Joint Advisory Council. When the Committee reports I shall consider with the Council what action should be taken.

Mr. Ridley

But the right hon. Gentleman put this in his election manifesto. Has he not worked out the plans to do it before now? Surely this is an urgent necessity. When will the right hon. Gentleman bring in legislation on this subject.

Mr. Gunter

The hon. Gentleman knows very well that matters of this kind must be discussed with both sides of industry. The National Joint Advisory Council, made up of the C.B.I. and the Trades Union Congress, have been deliberating—they may be slow, but they have been deliberating—on what should be done. When I get their report, we will take action.

Mr. Rankin

Will this legislation cover General Elections?

Mr. Winnick

Is my right hon. Friend aware that people are still being dismissed at an hour's notice simply because of active trade union participation at the place of employment? Could he take any steps to try to encourage employers to behave in a more reasonable way?

Mr. Gunter

I think that the majority of employers behave in a reasonable way, but there are always "bad boys" and cases have been drawn to my attention of this form of dismissal procedure, but the Confederation of British Industry is as anxious as anyone to have a right and proper procedure.