HC Deb 13 November 1967 vol 754 c15
16. Dr. Summerskill

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement about the result of his discussions with leaders of the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress concerning equal pay for women.

Mr. Gunter

A joint meeting with representatives of the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress to discuss the report of the working group of officials has been arranged for 7th December 1967.

Dr. Summerskill

Will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that the Government will implement the principle of equal pay for women before the next General Election?

Mr. Gunter

I could not possibly do that.

Mr. Rankin

Does my right hon. Friend realise the importance of this issue at the moment, when women are so largely replacing men in many jobs in industry? If they are not receiving the same pay, they tend to reduce the total purchasing power of the part of the country in which they live.

Mr. Gunter

I accept the importance of the issue. It is implementation that worries me.