§ 6. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to ensure strike pay during official strikes.
§ The Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Maurice Macmillan)I have no power to compel trade unions to pay strike benefit, but it is clearly right that they should continue to accept their proper share of financial responsibility for official strikes.
§ Mr. WallIs not it a fact that the less the strike pay the more that the taxpayer finances strikes through social security benefits? Is not this an anomaly which should be corrected?
§ Mr. MacmillanThe striker himself does not get social security benefit. Social security benefit is paid to the striker's family, and it takes into account strike pay and the refund of taxation.
§ Mr. James HamiltonIs the Secretary of State aware, on the subject of strike pay, that when most men are on strike some intimation is made to the Department by the unions concerned? On that basis, is not the Government's policy of attempting to starve back to work workers who are on legitimate strike proving unsuccessful? Will the Secretary of State now reconsider the situation and, for a change, take cognisance of what is said by right hon. and hon. Members on this side of the House?
§ Mr. MacmillanThis is a very difficult question. Traditionally the unions have accepted responsibility for their members during strikes. Despite some recent exceptions, that is still normally the case.