HC Deb 29 July 1971 vol 822 c765
I. Mr. Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when the provisions of the Industrial Relations Bill on legally enforceable agreements will come into force.

Mr. Bryan

My right hon Friend will be making an announcement shortly about the timetable for implementing the various provisions of the Bill.

Mr. Holland

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to be more specific and to give an assurance that an announcement will be made before the House goes into recess? Can he say whether he will make an announcement on all aspects of the Bill and when each part will be implemented?

Mr. Bryan

I cannot give any such assurance. The Government propose to implement the Measure as soon as the institutions and other arrangements can be soundly established. Of necessity this means that implementation must be progressive.

Mr. Heffer

Has the hon. Gentleman considered what this is likely to mean? Is he aware that the Trades Union Congress is advising all affiliated unions not to agree to enforceable legal agreements? Is he aware that this can lead to a situation in which we are likely to have absolute chaos in industry as a result of this Bill because of the Government's stupid attitude in continuing with this concept of enforceable contracts?

Mr. Bryan

I do not accept any of the hon. Gentleman's remarks. No doubt the Secretary of State will take all these matters into consideration when he makes his decision.