HC Deb 01 July 1968 vol 767 cc1066-7
8. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what action she proposes to take following the publication of the Report of the Royal Commission on trade unions.

Mrs. Castle

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on Thursday, 13th June, 1968.—[Vol. 766, c. 449.]

Mr. Lewis

Will the right hon. Lady promise that she will deal expeditiously with the many important matters arising out of this Report and that we shall not have to wait as long for action as we have waited for the Report? Will she also promise the House that, when she is reviewing the action which she will take, she will also consider the Minority Report?

Mrs. Castle

In the first part of his supplementary question the hon. Member is merely repeating a Question which I answered when I was making my statement to the House, when I made it clear that the Government regarded it as important to press ahead with discussions on this Report. It is clearly necessary for us to have consultation with the C.B.I. and the T.U.C., and both of them have rightly asked for full consultation.

Mr. R. Carr

Will the right hon. Lady bear in mind that it is felt strongly on all sides of the House that we should have the opportunity to debate the Report before the Government make up their mind?

Mrs. Castle

I am aware of that point, which was raised from both sides of the House when I made my statement. The right hon. Gentleman will understand that all that I can say is that it is a matter for the Leader of the House and that it should be pursued through the usual channels.

Forward to