HC Deb 12 June 1973 vol 857 cc1175-6
1. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy with regard to making references to the National Industrial Relations Court.

The Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Maurice Macmillan)

I cannot do so in general terms since I need to consider all the circumstances of each particular situation.

Mr. Ashton

The Minister has not used the Act for almost eight months. How will he get out of the dilemma of the Chrysler works when he knows that, if he uses the Act, matters will be made worse and that, at the same time, something must be done to settle the dispute? Would it not be better to scrap the Act altogether and return to our old system of industrial relations?

Mr. Macmillan

If the hon. Gentleman is referring to the power to intervene in an emergency, I have not used the Act because the circumstances have not arisen, nor does the Act give power to intervene in the Chrysler dispute.

Miss Holt

Are not many unions depriving their members of benefit by not making use of the Act?

Mr. Macmillan

At least one union has gained considerably by using the Act. The use made of the Act by the Association of Scientific, Technical and Managerial Staff, although it is not registered, has been of considerable benefit to its members in matters of recognition.

Mr. Greville Janner

Is not the reason why the Minister has not invoked his emergency powers under the Act that it is recognised by both sides of industry that the use of these powers generally does far more harm than good?

Mr. Macmillan

I have invoked the emergency powers under the Act.

Mr. Janner

Once.

Mr. Macmillan

There has not been an occasion so to do since then.