HC Deb 10 April 1967 vol 744 cc736-7
46. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce legislation to secure greater control over foreign firms, particularly regarding their acceptance and recognition of trade unions, before such firms are allowed to operate in Great Britain.

Mr. Hattersley

It has always been our policy to encourage employers to recognise appropriate trade unions, but we do not think it would be reasonable to introduce any legislation on the subject which discriminated between British and foreign firms.

Mr. Allaun

While I welcome firms from abroad, may I ask whether there is any danger that some American and other foreign firms, by trampling on British traditions and trade unions, may cause serious trouble, as has happened with Roberts Arundel at Stockport?

Mr. Hattersley

I think that if my hon. Friend casts his mind back five to eight years he will agree that the serious troubles to which he refers, which stem from refusal to recognise appropriate trade unions, can very often occur in British as well as American companies. I think that any action that we can take after the Royal Commission must be in relation to both native and foreign firms.

Mr. Molloy

Will my hon. Friend consider sending formal information to foreign-controlled firms in this country pointing out the British traditions in regard to trade union work on negotiations and ask them to stop the habit of saying that they have to get instructions from their own country before they can enter into negotiations?

Mr. Hattersley

I can assure my hon. Friend that the President of the Board of Trade makes firms which want to open business in this country very well aware of the traditions and requirements which will be theirs if they do so.