§ 9. Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with redundancy procedure arrangements in industry.
§ Mr. John FraserNo, Sir. I am far from satisfied. The Government will be introducing measures shortly in the Employment Protection Bill to require employers to consult the trade unions concerned before deciding on redundancies and to notify my Department well before they take effect.
§ Mr. RookerI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Does he appreciate that there is concern amongst my hon. Friends? We have not yet seen the Bill but our attitude towards it is the attitude of the Opposition to the social contract, namely, that it does not exist. Will my hon. Friend give a categorical assurance that the Bill will be before us before Easter?
§ Mr. FraserWe hope that it will be before the House before Easter. It will probably be before us during next week.