27. Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the importance of preventing pressure from being brought to bear on staff in the steel industry not to join trade unions; and what directions he will issue to the National Steel Corporation in this matter.
§ Mr. MarshThe Corporation is already under a statutory obligation to establish adequate conciliation and consultation machinery for all the employees of the nationalised steel industry and is now discussing with the T.U.C. how to give effect to this obligation. It has never advised staff not to join unions.
Mr. FletcherIs my right hon. Friend aware that circulars and letters have been sent to the staff of Stewarts and Lloyds advising them not to join trade unions? Will he look into the circumstances and suggest to the management that this action is not in the spirit of or in keeping with the Act?
§ Mr. MarshI have seen the letter to which my hon. Friend refers. It certainly does not advise staff not to join trade unions. I should like to make it quite clear that neither I nor the Corporation would tolerate any anti-trade union activity in the nationalised steel industry.