HC Deb 29 November 1966 vol 737 c193
15. Mr. Winnick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give instructions that major London hotels which refuse to recognise trade unions for their staff shall not be used for Government functions.

Mr. MacDermot

Any such action in advance of the Report of the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers Associations would be premature.

Mr. Winnick

In the meantime, should not the Government express their strong disapproval of these major London hotels which, in this day and age, refuse to give their staff the elementary right of belonging to a trade union?

Mr. MacDermot

Yes, Sir. I endorse what my hon. Friend has said. We expect every employer to recognise trade unions in this day and age.

Mr. John Smith

Should not the hon. and learned Gentleman encourage the Government to reduce the number and cost of Government functions?

Mr. MacDermot

That is a separate question, and I would not accept it in the form in which the hon. Gentleman has put it.