§ 15. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Social Security why she has declined to meet a deputation of shop stewards from the Leyland Combine, Coventry, representing many thousands of workers, to be introduced by the hon. Member for Coventry, North, with a view to discussing specific matters affecting social insurance and benefits.
§ Miss HerbisonBecause, as I explained to my hon. Friend in my letter to him of 13th June, 1967, the main point at issue is a matter for the Minister of Labour on which he is at present sponsoring discussions at national level between representatives of employers and employees.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs my right hon. Friend aware that the letter was an almost incomprehensible rigmarole of officialese? Is it not deplorable that a Minister of a Government which prides itself justly on the accessibility of workers to Ministers should decline to see a deputation of workers who have concerned themselves not only with matters affecting the Ministry of Labour but matters directly affecting her own Department?
§ Miss HerbisonI am sorry if my hon. Friend found the reply a rigmarole, but the main point at issue is one for the Minister of Labour, and discussions are being held on these matters at national level. No disrespect was intended, but if I were to receive deputations of the kind my hon. Friend wishes, I would have no time for the day-to-day business of my Ministry. Much more important, I would have no time for the forward planning which is so necessary.
§ Mr. EdelmanIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.