HC Deb 15 July 1969 vol 787 cc386-7
10. Mr. Boyd-Carpeniter

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what plans he has to introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Phelps Brown Report regarding self-employed men; and when he proposes to publish a White Paper outlining the terms of it.

12. Mr. Currie

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will now make a statement on the proposed legislation on cont-actual liability for self-employed men working in the building industry; and when he proposes to introduce it.

Mr. John Silkin

I have nothing to add to my Answer of 10th June to similar Questions by the hon. Members for Rushcliffe (Mr. Gardner) and Meriden (Mr. Speed).—[Vol. 784, c. 1204–6.]

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's self-proclaimed dynamism and in view of the importance of this problem, is it not time that some progress was being made?

Mr. Silkin

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that, in view of my lack of inertia, it is time that there was some progress in this matter. I am at present discussing the whole question with my colleagues, and I hope to be in a position in the not too far distant future to give a definitive answer.

Mr. Currie

Does not the Minister realise that this is totally inadequate and typical of the delays of this Government in construction legislation? Will he get a move on?

Mr. Silkin

Perhaps it would be as well to teach the hon. Gentleman a little history. The Phelps Brown proposals were published in July, 1968. The first and most important essential obviously was to get the views of both sides of the industry. These were received in February, 1969. From that moment to this, urgent discussions have been taking place. I do not think that this is a very long lapse of time.

Mr. Arnold Shaw

Does my right hon. Friend agree that this problem is a very serious one and that a great deal of preparation is required before he can come to a firm decision? I think that the whole House will agree that it is necessary to take every conceivable offer made to my right hon. Friend to solve the problem.

Mr. Silkin

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. In this case, I would rather be accused of inertia than of moving too quickly and getting the wrong answer.