HC Deb 10 April 1967 vol 744 cc714-5
10. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce legislation to provide a right of appeal against dismissal.

Mr. Hattersley

It would be premature to consider this before the examination of any relevant views that may be expressed by the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations and before the National Joint Advisory Council has considered the report of its Committee on Dismissals Procedures.

Mr. Ridley

While we all welcome the real progress which has been made towards establishing such a system, would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that it would be obnoxious to make the closed shop a ground for fair dismissal and that this must be excluded from any of the grounds as reasonable cause for dismissal? Would not the hon. Gentleman agree with that proposition?

Mr. Hattersley

I am sure that on reflection the hon. Member does not expect the Ministry to express a view on this matter before the Report of the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations has been presented to the House. That will be the time for this discussion.