HC Deb 06 November 1969 vol 790 cc1162-3
12. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what steps she now proposes to take to reduce strikes and stoppages in the motor industry ; and what plans she has to appoint a successor to Sir Jack Scamp as troubleshooter.

Mr. Harold Walker

Following my right hon. Friend's discussions last year with the employers and the unions about the setting up of a National Council for the Motor Industry, they indicated their desire to pursue this matter jointly, and I understand the two sides expect to reach final agreement very shortly. The proposals which the two sides are considering do not envisage that the new Council will have an independent chairman.

Sir G. Nabarro

Has not the hon. Gentleman perceived that the motor industry, which is probably the most prosperous of all British industries, contributing about £1,000 million to our nation's export trade, is also the most strike-bound of all our industries? What is he doing at Governmental level to try to alleviate the situation?

Mr. Walker

I do not think that anyone would deny that the motor industry has been undergoing a number of fundamental structural changes in recent years and that this has inevitably brought strains and tensions. I repeat that none of us can afford to be complacent about the level of industrial unrest and the days lost due to strikes. But it is our belief that the National Council for the Motor Industry, when established, will be an important step in the right direction.

Mr. Howie

Will my hon. Friend consider instituting an inquiry into the wage structure throughout the motor industry? I think he will agree that the confusion and complexity of the wage structure as between different firms not only in the industry but within the same towns is one of the underlying reasons for a good deal of the unrest.

Mr. Walker

When I referred to the structural changes taking place in industry, that was one of the aspects 1 had in mind. This is only one of many factors in a complex situation. The creation of the National Council which is proposed will enable those within the industry to give more careful consideration to this kind of problem.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the salutary warning issued by Lord Stokes in another place yesterday on the deteriorating situation? Do the Government subscribe to the sentiments expressed by Lord Stokes where the question of exports is concerned?

Mr. Walker

I would not dream of challenging Lord Stokes on the export figures and I repeat that there are no grounds for complacency in this situation. But I think that the next important step is the establishment of the National Council for the industry.