HC Deb 10 March 1970 vol 797 cc1096-7
8. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he will make a statement about his most recent discussions with the building and civil engineering industries on the subject of self-employment in the industries.

11. Mr. John Wells

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he now proposes to introduce legislation to implement the Phelps Brown Report.

30. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make a statement on his recent talks with the unions and employers in the building and construction engineering industries about labour-only sub-contracting.

31. Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he will implement the Phelps Brown proposals for labour-only sub-contracting.

32. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will now implement the Phelps Brown proposals for labour-only sub-contracting.

Mr. John Silkin

I intend to introduce a Bill shortly. I outlined the form of the Bill in a written reply to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heffer) on 24th February.—[Vol. 796, c. 309–11.]

Mr. Elliott

Is the Minister aware that his Answer will be received with great enthusiasm by those involved? But could he explain why there has been such a delay, since it is over two years since the Phelps Brown Committee reported?

Mr. Silkin

I can correct the hon. Gentleman. It has been received with considerable enthusiasm by those concerned. The delay—I do not accept that it has been a long delay—is due to the necessity of getting the legislation absolutely right and not merely following blindly in the steps of the report.

Mr. Wells

Has the Minister informed the industry of the details of the Bill's proposals and has he given them an opportunity for consultation?

Mr. Silkin

I have informed the industry of the general proposals, but obviously the first they will know of the actual details is when the Bill is presented to the House.

Mr. McNamara

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we all support him in ensuring that we have not only the Bill but the proper and the right Bill, that we are all looking forward to having it on the Floor of the House and that we want to persuade my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to let us have it here very quickly?

Mr. Silkin

I am grateful. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Bill will be of some satisfaction to him.

Mr. Shaw

Might I suggest to my right hon. Friend that many of us on this side have understood the complications, and therefore the need for some delay, so that the right answers are forthcoming, and that we therefore welcome his announcement?

Mr. Silkin

I am very grateful.