HC Deb 10 April 1967 vol 744 cc730-1
39. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the steps being taken by his Department in regard to the official dispute at the Roberts Arundel factory.

Mr. Hattersley

My right hon. Friend has had discussions with representatives of the company and of the unions concerned. Following these, a further joint meeting was held in Manchester on 3rd April under the Ministry's chairmanship, but I regret that no progress was made. We shall do all we can to resolve this dispute.

Mr. Allaun

Is it not a fact that all the good efforts of the Minister were flouted by this firm's representative who said that the American parent company had refused him authority to negotiate at all? In these circumstances, would the Minister receive the unions again with a view to considering further steps to get the trade union men back to work and re-engaged?

Mr. Hattersley

Certainly I will see either of the parties again. My only wish is to bring the dispute to an end. If the unions wish to meet my right hon. Friend or representatives of his Ministry, that can certainly be arranged.

Mr. Heffer

Is not this a case where the management's attitude is absolutely outmoded and outdated—

Mr. Allaun

And outrageous?

Mr. Heffer

—and outrageous? Is not this a case where the Government's full support should be given to the unions involved, and should not the Government lean heavily on the side of the unions against the management?

Mr. Hattersley

I do not think that the dispute will be brought to a speedy conclusion by the Government leaning heavily on either side, irrespective of the merits of the case. The Government have done all they can to make sure that they are in no way a party to the unfortunate features of this dispute. We have insisted that men registering at the employment exchange for work with this firm are notified of the conditions operating there at the moment.