§ 32. Mr. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in negotiations for a guaranteed working week; at what stage before Section 3(1) of the National Insurance Act comes into operation will the Government implement their undertaking to review these negotiations; and what contingency preparations have been made for legislation on this subject.
§ Mr. HattersleyAt the end of last year my right hon. Friend reviewed the progress made in these negotiations and decided that legislation would be necessary. He is consulting industry about the details.
§ Mr. MacdonaldIs my hon. Friend aware that his reply will create some satisfaction, but that there is a great deal of anxiety among those trade unions which fear that the negotiations may not be successful? Can he state when the promised legislation is likely to come forward?
§ Mr. HattersleyQuestions about the timing of the legislation are for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House. However, I hope that my hon. Friend is reassured by the knowledge that we understand perfectly well that the legislation must be passed and operative by March, 1969. I gladly give that reassurance to the House.