HC Deb 20 February 1967 vol 741 cc1130-2
18. Dr. Summerskill

asked the Minister of Labour when he expects the discussions between his Department, the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry concerning equal pay to be completed.

48. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in his discussions with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry on the subject of equal pay.

Mr. Gunter

I expect the current discussions at official level to be completed within two months. The report of those discussions will subsequently need consideration by the Government, the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry.

Dr. Summerskill

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the policy of wage restraint should not be used to delay even longer any action taken on equal pay? Would not he agree that priority should now be given to the claims of those who do not even receive the rate for the job?

Mr. Gunter

The T.U.C. and the C.B.I. have agreed that account would have to be taken of the economic situation and the productivity, prices and incomes policy in deciding the timing and phasing of any action on equal pay.

Mrs. Butler

What has been my right hon. Friend's response to the request of the national women's organisations with special experience of women's employment to be brought into these discussions?

Mr. Gunter

Consideration has not been given to that point at the present time. When we see the official report, I will pay attention to the points raised.

Dame Irene Ward

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree, following the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Joyce Butler). that it would be wise to include not only the unions and the employers but also those who specialise in this field and who know a great deal more about some of the problems and difficulties experienced by people than perhaps these other very distinguished bodies?

Mr. Gunter

The official party has been carefully looking at this, and both sides of industry have been paying attention to the wage structure and the methods of implementation and phasing in industry. Whilst I have the profoundest regard for many of the national women's organisations, I should imagine that the last thing they want is to get mixed up with rows about the wage structure.