HC Deb 16 May 1966 vol 728 cc908-11
38. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that the conditions listed in paragraph 44 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes' Final Report on Road Haulage Charges will be carried out; by what means he will check that these conditions have been fulfilled; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gunter

I met the two sides of the industry on 27th April and discussed with them the recommendations contained in the Board's Report. I was assured that the Productivity Sub-Committee of the National Negotiating Committee was actively studying ways of improving efficiency in the industry. I am looking to the National Negotiating Committee to give a strong lead to the industry on measures to promote greater efficiency and have arranged to be kept informed of progress.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that this report of the Prices and Incomes Board said that what was required was "immediate"—they used that word—action? The Minister has said that they are studying the matter. Do they intend to act on this and not just to study?

Mr. Gunter

Yes, Sir. I was satisfied at the meeting which I had with both sides, when they promised me—they gave an undertaking—to have frequent and regular meetings and report to me upon progress.

39. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Minister of Labour what proposals he has for wider use of recording devices consistent with the recommendation of paragraph 44(v) of the National Board for Prices and Incomes' Final Report on Road Haulage Charges.

40. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Labour what assurances he obtained from the Transport and General Workers' Union of their co-operation in extending the use of recording devices before confirming the recent Order presented by the Road Haulage Wages Council.

Mr. Gunter

This is a matter which can only be settled within the industry. The industry's representatives have assured me that the Sub-Committee which has been set up by the National Negotiating Committee to consider ways of improving efficiency will be considering the use which can be made of recording devices along with other forms of work study.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Yes, but does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it might have been better to delay the approval of the road haulage wage committee's award until there was an assurance that progress would be made? Has he noticed Mr. Aubrey Jones's comments on the wage award which he has now authorised?

Mr. Gunter

I can only repeat that I had a meeting with both sides at which they assured me that they would deal with this and other matters relating to efficiency and productivity at frequent and regular meetings and would report to me.

Mr. Webster

Paragraph 46 of the Report says that this is a highly urgent matter. Is it not deplorable that we have not got further than a vague assurance of lip-service to the union before the award was approved?

Mr. Gunter

Certain of the recommendations, of course, are disputed by both the employers and the workpeople. I gave them my blessing and asked them to report as quickly as was possible.

Sir K. Joseph

What is the point of referring wage claims to the Prices and Incomes Board if its comments are completely ignored? Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that Mr. Aubrey Jones' Board said in paragraph 19 of its Report: The proposed settlement makes concessions not in exchange for improvements in productivity but for a promise to talk about productivity"?

Mr. Small

Is it permissible to make verbatim quotations at Question Time?

Mr. Speaker

No. The right hon. Gentleman must just give the sense of what has been said.

Mr. Gunter

The Report also says that certain assurances should be given. Action has been taken. I confirmed the wage council order on the understanding that the industry would get on with the job.

Mr. Biffen

Does the Minister realise that there will be very considerable interest in seeing how the agreement regarding timing devices is carried out? Can he assure the House that he will keep a check on how these discussions go and will report back to the House stating in detail what progress has been made?

Mr. Gunter

I hope that the House will not require me to give detailed information about each and every industrial point. All I can say at this stage is that the National Negotiating Committee has taken note and promises me that it will get on with the job.

41. Mr. Nott

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present extent of shift-working in the road haulage industry; what have been the developments in shift-working during 1962 to 1965; and what further development in shift-working is expected to occur during 1966.

Mr. Gunter

Information is not available about developments in shift-working during the years 1962 to 1965 in this industry. I cannot say at present what developments are likely to take place this year, but I have drawn the attention of the industry to the recommendation of the N.B.P.I. on this matter and I shall be keeping in touch with progress on all measures to increase efficiency.