§ 30. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Attorney-General how many judges are 366 to be appointed to staff the National Industrial Relations Court; and when such appointments will be made.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Peter Rawlinson)The nomination of two High Court judges and one judge of the Court of Session to be members of the Industrial Court has already been announced. The number of additional appointments that may be needed will depend on the volume of business coming before the Court
§ Mr. JannerAs the new court is to deal, among other things, with agency shop agreement disputes, bargaining agencies, procedure agreements and emergency procedures, as well as appeals from the industrial tribunal, does the right hon. and learned Gentleman not anticipate a queue of staggering proportions outside the Court? Is it not quite unreasonable to appoint only three judges to the Court? Is this not likely to bring the whole of this branch of the law into immediate disrepute?
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs the hon. and learned Member appreciates, the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act conferring jurisdiction on the Industrial Court have not yet been brought into force. It is expected that this will be done on 1st December. No lay members have been appointed, but it is hoped that the first appointments will be announced shortly.