§ 17. Mr. Winnickasked the Minister of Labour whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that manual workers are placed on the staff of concerns with full staff facilities and conditions.
§ Mr. GunterThis is a development which I should like to see extended, but I do not think legislation would be appropriate.
§ Mr. WinnickDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that the present barrier in industry which exists between manual and non-manual workers is quite wrong and outdated? Does not he feel that it places 900 manual workers at a grave disadvantage? Is he aware that in certain factories in the staff canteen coffee is served for lunch, whereas in the manual workers' canteen tea is served?
§ Mr. GunterI do not like coffee. I am fully aware of the objectionable practices which sometimes arise, but they are diminishing. Staff status is becoming a more important question. But I do not think that this matter would be appropriate for legislation. How I would legislate, I am not sure. Trade unions and employers are at one in this matter. I am sure that my right hon. Friend knows—[HON. MEMBERS: "Too long."] I am finishing now. Not all manual workers want staff status.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the Minister tell us whether he personally prefers tea or coffee?
§ Mr. GunterTea.
§ Mr. DickensDoes the Minister agree that the time has come for the Ministry of Labour to take the initiative in this field and point out fairly the advantages being gained from the public sector, through electricity, by the private sector?
§ Mr. GunterI agree, and I am glad to know that trade unions and employers are trying to come to terms in this matter. I do not think that legislation is the way to do it.