HC Deb 26 March 1970 vol 798 cc1634-5
32. Mr. Prentice

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will hold further discussions with the Confederation of British Industry so as to encourage it to take initiatives to improve industrial relations comparable with those taken by the Trades Union Congress.

Mr. Harold Walker

My right hon. Friend has repeatedly stressed the need for managements to take the lead in seeking to improve industrial relations.

I understand that the Confederation of British Industry is reviewing the rôle of its members in the reform of industrial relations, and has also held important discussions with the Trades Union Congress on current problems. The industrial relations legislation which my right hon. Friend will introduce will further stimulate a reappraisal by many employers of their rôle and responsibility.

Mr. Prentice

While welcoming that reply, may I ask my hon. Friend if he would not agree that the characteristic posture of too many employers' leaders is to stand on the sidelines and pontificate abut the failings of strikers and trade unions? Since so many industrial disputes are clue to bad management, would my hon. Friend agree that it is vital that the C.B.I. should attempt to take the kind of initiative which the T.U.C. has been taking?

Mr. Walker

It is a matter of regret that management has not responded in the way that the T.U.C. has in adopting a co-operative attitude towards its responsibilities, in helping reduce the number and incidence of strikes. I wholly agree with my hon. Friend's observations.

Mr. Peyton

Does the hon. Gentleman recall his right hon. Friend's statement that power was now on the shop floor? Will he encourage his right hon. Friend to say quite clearly where is the responsibility? It is now separated from power.

Mr. Walker

My right hon. Friend was drawing attention to the realities recognised by the Royal Commission on Trade Unions, among others. The hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to the need for responsibility to go hand in hand with power. Equally, the Royal Commission drew attention to the fact that management has the primary responsibility for the reform and conduct of industrial relations.