HC Deb 19 March 1970 vol 798 cc600-1
31. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many of the strikes and the number of days lost in consequence in 1969 she estimates were attributable to the non-recognition of trade unions by employers.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (Mr. Harold Walker)

Analysis by cause of the final figures for stoppages of work due to industrial disputes in 1969 is not yet available, but I will write to my hon. Friend in due course.

Mr. Fernyhough

I am sorry that my hon. Friend cannot give the figures for which I asked. Does he agree that it is a terrible reflection upon some employers that in 1970 trade unions still have to strike to get recognition? Is this not justification for my right hon. Friend bringing in as quickly as possible the Industrial Relations Bill?

Mr. Walker

Yes, Sir.

Mr. R. Carr

Is not the point made by the hon. Gentleman clear proof of the need for the proposal contained in "Fair Deal at Work" that there should be a legal duty on employers to recognise when that is the wish of the majority of their employees?

Mr. Walker

I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman is advocating "Fair Deal at Work" as a panacea for curing industrial disputes. If they looked at it as a whole, I believe that the House would reach an opposite conclusion.