§ 9. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to establish in the new Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Company the same company structure and pattern of industrial relations as existed in Fairfields prior to its amalgamation into Upper Clyde Shipbuilders.
§ Mr. John DaviesThe company structure to be adopted by Govan Shipbuilders Limited is for that company's board to decide, while the pattern of industrial relations will, I hope, be agreed between the company and the unions as a result of discussions that are now taking place.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the participation of private interests and trade union funds along the successful Fairfield lines would be extremely good for the new company on Clydeside? Will he do everything he can to persuade the unions to take part in this new venture on the same co-operative lines as before?
§ Mr. DaviesThe essential first step is the completion of the discussions which are now taking place. As regards copying the format adopted at Fairfield, this has always been a matter of some controversy and I prefer to leave the matter to the company concerned which no doubt will be making recommendations to me in due course.
§ Mr. RankinBut is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the pattern of industrial relationships which was followed in October, 1964? Does he realise that, without any notice or warning, the firm walked out on 3,000 men over the weekend and left them to do what they liked? Then the Government had to step in and 10 save them. Is that the pattern he wishes to encourage in private industry?
§ Mr. DaviesThe pattern to which my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. Scott-Hopkins) referred was the pattern of industrial structure and union relationships developed by the successor management to that to which the hon. Gentleman refers.