HC Deb 19 February 1968 vol 759 c23
43. Mr. Julius Silverman

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the question of equal pay for women.

Mr. Gunter

No, Sir.

Mr. Silverman

Why not? One appreciates that it might be difficult in present economic circumstances to implement this objective, but, at the same time, does not the Minister think that to take this course and put the matter before the Prices and Incomes Board would at least show the Government's support for this proposal and for its ultimate implementation?

Mr. Gunter

The course suggested by my hon. Friend would in many ways be a duplication of what is happening now. He will know that the Government have already accepted the commitment in principle to equal pay—

Mrs. Renée Short

Not before time.

Mr. Gunter

Yes, I know it is a long time—but what is in question is the difficulty of implementing the principle in present circumstances. A study of the technical problems and an effort to come to terms on the divergence of opinion within the unions themselves and between industry and the unions is now going on, and I await the report.