HC Deb 16 October 1969 vol 788 cc584-6
16. Mr. John Page

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will make a statement on the London dustmen's strike.

Mr. Walker

The unofficial strike of London refuse collectors began on 23rd September in support of a claim for an increase in the basic London rate from £15 9s. Od. per week to £20 per week. A settlement in respect of all local authority manual workers in Scotland, England and Wales was reached at a meeting of the National Joint Council on 9th October. This provided, among other things, for an increase of £2 10s. 0d. per week to refuse collectors in the London area. Following this settlement, the trade unions, which are members of the council, recommended a return to work. I understand that in about half of the London boroughs normal working is now in operation. Efforts are being made by officials of the trade unions concerned to get a return to work in the other London boroughs. My right hon. Friend welcomes these efforts and urges those still on strike to follow the advice of their unions.

Mr. Page

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many informed people believe that this great inconvenience to Londoners may have been caused by inter-union rivalry and militancy by one union to try to prove its point? Does the hon. Gentleman feel that this attitude is appropriate in the context of an unofficial, unconstitutional strike?

Mr. Walker

We have no evidence whatever to support that allegation.

Mr. Lipton

What does my hon. Friend intend to do to improve the ramshackle machinery of local government negotiations in matters of this kind? What is the sense of calling a meeting of local authorities in Edinburgh for the purpose of dealing with the London dustmen's dispute?

Mr. Walker

It is all part of the central negotiating machine and, as such, it hardly seems of great relevance where it meets. The settlement provides for some restructuring within the wages structure and, whilst I recognise what local authorities have already done, I hope that they will pay greater attention to the recommendations contained in Report No. 29 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Higgins

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether any London authority has asked his Department what limits are imposed on the offer which it may make by the prices and incomes policy of his Department and, if so, what answer he has given?

Mr. Walker

No, advice was not sought.

Mr. Molloy

Will my hon. Friend make it clear that he completely dissociates himself from the remark made by the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr. John Page)? It is the sort of re- mark that will exacerbate the situation; it is untrue and is not a helpful contribution.

Mr. Walker

I have always thought that there was a long-standing tradition in the House that we did nothing to exacerbate industrial relations, particularly in difficult times like this.