HC Deb 10 May 1973 vol 856 cc732-4
6. Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the position in the Belfast shipyard.

Mr. David Howell

The dispute in Harland and Wolff's yard is about a bonus scheme for steelworkers entered into in September 1971. The steelworkers, dissatisfied with the operation of the scheme, embarked some three months ago on a programme of non-co-operation. The steelworkers have been discharged, after due notice, but the company is anxious to avoid, or postpone as long as possible, laying off other workers.

The proposals for settlement of the dispute rejected by the steelworkers last week had the support of the management of the yard and the executive of the Boilermakers' Society. The channels of communication between the management and the union remain open; and it is to be hoped that an early return to normal working can be achieved.

My right hon. Friend, who fully appreciates the seriousness of the situation, is being kept closely in touch.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Does not the Minister of State agree that the management has an obligation in this case to keep the promise that it made to the steelworkers? Does not he agree also that for the managing director of the yard to appear on local television, as he did last night, and to say that the Secretary of State is in full agreement with him is not likely to lead to conciliation? Will the Minister confirm whether the Secretary of State agrees with the management in this dispute? Will he also tell us about the position of 600 dilutee workers who are not part of the strike but who have been dismissed as a result of it? They have been refused unemployment benefit. When they wanted to find other employment they were also refused their cards and money due to them for holiday pay. Will the Minister also say when the first test case before the tribunal for the payment of social benefits to those workers will be heard so that they and their families may be justly treated?

Mr. Howell

In a dispute of this kind there are strong feelings on each side about the nature of views held by the other side. We are in a situation in which the union—the executive of the Boilermakers' Society—is in agreement with the management about the proper way to reach a settlement. If that proper way can be followed a settlement can be reached. That must be the position.

As for the dilutees and unemployment benefit, the matter has been put to the insurance officer, who has decided that it is an industrial dispute and, therefore, that claims for unemployment benefits are disallowed.

The question of a test case coming up really arises in the context of appeals. Appeals can be made and will shortly be heard. I am sure that all possible steps will be taken to see that appeals are heard as soon as possible.

Mr. Douglas

Will the Minister of State assure the House that the two sides, or either of them, are not adopting an unduly legalistic view of their rights in this case? May we have an indication how the Department of Employment is having an oversight of the dispute, which is likely to be extremely damaging to the propect of this very important shipyard?

Mr. Howell

As I said earlier, either side tends to get a somewhat oversharp view of the position held by the other. That is inevitable. However, the industrial relations division of the Department of Health and Social Security—not the Department of Employment—is watching the situation closely. The normal conciliation services are available. The position remains that both the management and the union—the executive of the Boilermakers Society—are in agreement about the proper basis for a settlement. If that path is followed a settlement can be achieved.

Mr. McMaster

Is the Minister of State aware of the great tragedy that would befall Northern Ireland if there were any loss of production or a complete close down of Harland and Wolff? Is he aware, further, of the considerable competition which the yard faces from other yards in Europe and, especially, in Japan? Until recently the yard had a fine reputation for high productivity. In view of that, will the Minister do all he can to see that there is a reconciliation and a sensible settlement to the dispute, so that the future prospects of the yard will not be damaged?

Mr. Howell

I am acutely aware of the sad blot that this incident places on the excellent industrial relations record in Northern Ireland. I undertake that everything possible will be done to encourage ways in which the dispute can be brought to a sensible conclusion.