HC Deb 04 December 1979 vol 975 cc217-8
6. Mr. Haselhurst

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps his Department is taking to encourage wider participation in the management of industry.

Mr. Prior

There is nothing more important for improving industrial relations than getting better communication between management and its work force, and the involvement of the work force in matters affecting it at its place of work. I have lost no opportunity to support worthwhile initiatives—such as the issue of guidance by the CBI and other influential bodies—designed to help this process.

Mr. Haselhurst

If my right hon. Friend agrees that one of the most important contributions that could be made to the progress of British industry would be to get rid of the spirit of partisanship that has overlaid it for so long, does he not think that that will continue to lack urgency unless he shows tangible support for it?

Mr. Prior

I wish to avoid legislation on that front because it might have the opposite result to that desired. Everything that we can do to persuade and cajole management into better communication, and greater involvement on the shop floor, is essential if we are to solve our industrial relations problems.

Mr. Radice

If the Secretary of State is really interested in wider industrial participation, will he make representations to the Secretary of State for Industry to ensure that the trade union board mem- bers at the Post Office are reappointed after 31 December?

Mr. Prior

I am certain that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry will examine all the available evidence carefully and even-handedly before arriving at any decision. I am not, however, entirely satisfied that this has proved to be a good experiment so far.

Mr. Needham

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House whether he is prepared to consider introducing a code of practice on employee participation? He mentioned that subject several times when he was shadow spokesman for employment.

Mr. Prior

I am always prepared to consider it. However, I would prefer a joint approach between the Government, the TUC, and the CBI.

Mr. Greville Janner

Does the Secretary of State believe that it is possible to induce management to introduce any form of worthwhile worker participation in industry without legislation?

Mr. Prior

Yes, Sir.