§ 24. Mr. R. Carrasked the Minister of Labour when he now expects that the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations will publish their report.
§ Mr. HattersleyThis is a matter for the Royal Commission, but I hope the report may be in the hands of my right hon. Friend by the end of the year.
§ Mr. CarrWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that information, may I ask whether he and his right hon. Friend realise how many very important matters have been delayed for a long time while we have been waiting for this report? I accept that the timing must be in the hands of the Royal Commission, but will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, when the Government have that report in their hands, they will act upon it with great speed?
§ Mr. HattersleyI am aware of the number of outstanding issues which cannot be resolved until the Royal Commission has made its report. I can give the assurance that, once the report is in our hands, whatever action that we deem appropriate will be taken with dispatch. That in no way implies that action which the Royal Commission recommends will be taken by the Government.