HC Deb 29 January 1979 vol 961 cc1012-3
9. Mr. Clemitson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on progress being made towards the introduction of legislation on industrial democracy.

Mr. John Smith

Consultations are in progress on the proposals in the White Paper, Cmnd. 7231.

Mr. Clemitson

Is not the real question about the power of the trade unions not whether they have too much, as the Opposition allege, but how trade union power can be used in a constructive manner? Therefore, is not it vital that rather than succumb to suggestions about introducing union-bashing legislation, we should get ahead quickly with promoting industrial democracy?

Mr. Smith

My hon. Friend knows that the Government are committed to advancing industrial democracy. We made that clear in the White Paper, and we are continuing consultations about the details of that. I believe firmly that the subject is of the greatest importance to our industrial future. Employees have a right to participate in decisions and relationships, and industry will improve if they have that right.

Mr. Moate

Would not one of the most significant advances in industrial democracy be the widespread adoption of a secret ballot in industrial disputes? What are the Government doing to encourage the adoption of that practice?

Mr. Smith

That is a quite different matter from industrial democracy. The way in which the Question was posed—that industrial democracy should proceed—as the hon. Member will discover if he reads the White Paper, or, indeed, the Bullock report which repeated it, is by a basis of ballots held in the work place.

Mr. Shersby

Does the Secretary of State believe, during the current industrial situation, that it is a good idea to proceed with this type of industrial democracy? Does he not feel that it would be better for us to move on more non-controversial and non-partisan lines with the object of securing agreement in the widest possible context both inside and outside the House?

Mr. Smith

I would certainly like to see a wider consensus on industrial democracy. I am disappointed with the view taken on this matter by certain managements and employers' organisations. We believe that it is necessary for the Government to give it a push forward. The hon. Gentleman might reflect that industrial relations at the moment are far from perfect, and industrial democracy might do a great deal to improve them in future.