§ Q3. Mr. Barnettasked the Prime Minister what plans he has for a meeting with the Confederation of British Industry to discuss the membership of the Central Capability Unit.
§ The Prime MinisterNone, Sir. I have already made it clear that the Central Policy Review Staff will not be composed of representatives of special groups.
§ Mr. BarnettDoes not the Prime Minister need the advice of the C.B.I., or certainly of someone, if he is to avoid a repetition of the sort of shambles we had last week over the Rolls-Royce affair and his handling of it? Will he therefore consider—bearing in mind the fact that one of his Ministers committed the Government to unlimited funds to beat any foreign bid—that this is perhaps the most expensive way of bailing out any company?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is not a matter which is the concern of the Central Policy Review Staff, either now or in the future.
§ Mr. AshleyIs there not a great danger of the C.B.I. becoming jealous of the Prime Minister's constant promises to strengthen the trade unions? Would the right hon. Gentleman explain to the C.B.I. which aspect of his policies is most calculated to strengthen the trade unions? Is it the policy of imposing a straitjacket on the trade unions or the policy of imposing a record rate of unempolyment on their members?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Industrial Relations Bill has been debated for many days, and several days still remain for it to be debated. The hon. Gentleman will, therefore, have several opportunities of being informed on this matter. It is, of course, a serious one. I have always 1604 believed in having a strong trade union leadership—[Interruption.]—and, similarly, in having a strong employers' organisation, because my experience as Minister of Labour showed me that one gets the healthiest industrial relations when employers and trade unions make agreements which they can each see are carried out.