HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT (INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE) (Hansard, 7 March 1975)

§ Sir Geoffrey Howe (Surrey, East)
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I wish to raise with you, and, perhaps through you, with the Government, a question about the conduct of the proceedings of the House next week on which the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment may be able to help us. You, Mr. Deputy Speaker, will have seen the report in The Guardian today and perhaps elsewhere about the prospect of industrial action next week affecting the House. In addition, reports about what is likely to happen are circulating in the precincts.
I understand that a decision has been made by certain maintenance and power workers employed by the Department of the Environment, and perhaps by other shift workers, to take strike action from next Monday. I also understand that action is to be taken during Sunday night and Monday morning which will include the closing down of all boilers and heating and water valves and the throwing out of electrical switches affecting services in the premises with the apparent intention of making it difficult, if not impossible, for other technical and supervisory staff to resume normal working on Monday.
Beyond that, I understand that the entrances to the premises will be picketed and that some other employees have agreed not to cross the picket lines. Most disturbing of all, an hon. Member has reported hearing in the House of Commons Post Office considerable pressure being brought to bear on staff working there not to cross the picket lines which will be established. It has been reported that similar pressure has been brought to bear on other staff, not stopping short of threats to make life very difficult for them if they take action to mitigate the effects of the intended strike.
I understand, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that the direct consequences of what is intended could affect the water supply and the heating and cooking facilities in the premises and the air conditioning in the Chamber, in the underground car park and in Members' rooms. It is plain that indirect consequences could affect such services as the delivery of mail to Members and of other commodities to the 2059 building and the maintenance and, therefore, operation of telephones and annunciator services, lifts, Division bells and amplification facilities which enable the public and Press to hear and report our proceedings.
I have only one concern in raising the matter which has, and should have, nothing to do with our enthusiasm, or lack of it, for any items in next week's business. My concern is to secure from the Government a clear assurance that this Parliament, whose sovereignty, incidentally, we are due to debate next week, will be able to continue its work as it has done in all kinds of circumstances in the past.
I appreciate that a question of privilege could arise from what is stated at page 144 of Erskine May, that It is a breach of privilege to molest a Member of either House while attending such House or when coming to or going from it. However, at this stage that is a hypothetical matter.
I also appreciate the statements to the effect that the authorities should do—and normally do—all that they can to see that our normal Sessional Order is complied with.
I have some questions to ask. Can we be told anything about the nature of the dispute and what is being done to resolve it? Can we, above all, have an assurance that all necessary action will be taken to ensure that not only members of both Houses but all those who wish to continue normal services to Parliament will have access to the premises unhindered and unmolested, and an assurance that Parliament will be able to continue with its normal business next week.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Oscar Murton)
This may be a convenient moment for me to reply to the right hon. and learned Member on the question of privilege. The matter of privilege raised by him is, as I know he understands, hypothetical. He will appreciate that the Chair cannot rule on questions of privilege which might arise at some time in the future. I can only advise him to raise the matter, if the occasion 2060 should arise, on Monday next week at the usual time for raising matters of privilege, which is immediately before the commencement of public business.

§ Sir G. Howe
That is my understanding. However, I wonder whether it is possible for the Under-Secretary of State to give us some indication of what other action is being taken to ensure normal service in the House next week.

§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Neil Carmichael)
Perhaps I could make a short statement.
Industrial civil servants manning the works depots which look after the Houses of Parliament and buildings in Whitehall have intimated that from Monday onwards they will be taking unofficial strike action. This action arises out of their current claim for an interim pay settlement—which was one of the questions put to me by the right hon. and learned Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe). This interim pay settlement is under consideration now by Ministers.
I have also seen certain speculative reports in The Guardian, but it is difficult at this stage to forecast the actual effects of any such official action.
A further statement will be made on Monday. However, I emphasise that at this stage, not knowing exactly how many are likely to be involved in the strike, it is difficult to say more.

§ Sir G. Howe
Can the House receive an assurance of the kind for which I asked—that the normal sittings and services of Parliament will be continued next week?

§ Mr. Carmichael
Every endeavour will be made to continue the business of the House. As the right hon. and learned Gentleman said, the House has continued over the past few years in difficult circumstances. I should imagine that the House will be able to continue next week.