§ Ql. Mr. Meacherasked the Prime Minister what representations he has received regarding the issue of industrial participation from interested bodies.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)Representations have been received from the CBI and TUC. The Government have made clear that they welcome the principle of closer involvement of employees in the progress of firms. The Industrial Relations Act and Code of Practice contain provision for this, and the share savings scheme. 651 announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech, is a further step forward.
§ Mr. MeacherEven so, the question of worker participation was carefully excluded from the Government's code of industrial relations practice. Is this to be the only area of policy in which the Prime Minister has not changed his mind? How long will Britain remain the only Common Market country without legislation on worker directors, and without a mandatory works council system?
§ The Prime MinisterIt was agreed at the summit that we should now work for a European policy in this matter, and various proposals have been prepared. We are considering these proposals, which relate in particular to works councils.
§ Mr. RedmondDid my right hon. Friend notice the speech last week made by the Leader of the Opposition in which he said that a future Labour Government would legislate for many things that are already included in the Industrial Relations Act?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, that is true. Most of the items in the speech of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition are already the law of the land.