HC Deb 18 December 1967 vol 756 cc910-2
31. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a Statement on the dispute in the municipal bus industry, with particular reference to the restoration of national negotiating machinery in that industry.

Mr. Hattersley

As a result of direct negotiations between representatives of the employers' federation and the trade unions, an agreement was reached on 14th December which is leading to a return to normal working within the industry. The agreement covers improvements in the terms and conditions of employment and commits both sides to continuance of discussions within the National Joint Council. The agreement will, of course, be subject to review by the Government under the prices and incomes policy in the light of the report of the N.B.P.I. on pay and productivity in the industry which is due to be published this week.

Mr. Brooks

Is my hon. Friend aware of the widespread satisfaction that there will be that this damaging dispute is now ending? Would he clarify the extent to which local negotiations for payments above the national basic minimum will be constrained by the forthcoming report to which he has referred?

Mr. Hattersley

I am afraid that I cannot help my hon. Friend. We cannot make any comments about constraints which the report will impose until we have seen it.

32. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will introduce legislation to protect the public from such disruption of essential municipal transport Services as has occurred throughout the country, including the Wirral peninsula, Cheshire, in recent weeks.

Mr. Hattersley

I do not think it would be right to consider this in advance of the report of the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations.

Mr. Brooks

Is my hon. Friend aware that the bus strike which has affected my own constituency since l0th November is still on? In these winter months, is it not essential for the Government to ensure that the public, including old-age pensioners and school children, are not made the pawns of disputes of this character?

Mr. Hattersley

These are very complex issues. Even if we were to accept the contention that essential industries should be treated in this way, there would still be a dispute about what constituted an essential industry. I understand that the Passenger Transport Board is being examined by the Royal Com- mission in the light of this definition. Therefore, it is not a decision which we should rush.

Mr. R. Carr

Will the hon. Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend that the public are not prepared to go on tolerating the leisurely procedures of this Government in this matter and really demand action more quickly? Even now, is it not possible to ask the Royal Commission to produce a short interim report on one or two of the more essential but nevertheless easier matters on which it is to recommend?

Mr. Hattersley

I am sure that no one is suggesting that in December we should ask for an interim report when a full report is expected in the spring of next year.

Concerning public opinion, no Member of this House is more in touch with it than my right hon. Friend.