TUC

HC Deb 17 July 1979 vol 970 cc1287-9

14. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations he has had on forthcoming legislation with the TUC.

Mr. Mayhew

My right hon. Friend has already had a number of informal discussions with the TUC and hopes to have further discussions shortly on the basis of the working papers which were published last week.

Mr. Adley

I thank my hon. and learned Friend for that reply, but is he aware that there is a great deal more support in the rank and file of the trade union movement for the Government's proposals than might appear from the pronouncements of leaders of unions affiliated to the TUC? What practical steps can my hon. and learned Friend take to ensure that the voice of the rank and file trade unionists who support these proposals is listened to?

Mr. Mayhew

My hon. Friend is correct in pointing to the wide degree of support among trade union members for these proposals. The measure of that support was seen in the result of the general election when millions of trade union members voted for the Conservative Party whose manifesto set out exactly the proposals which are the subject of the working papers.

Mr. Maclennan

In view of the Government's hope that the trade unions will exercise restraint on wages in the forthcoming year, can the hon. and learned Gentleman say what consultation the Government have had with the trade unions about the proposed abolition of the Price Commission in a Bill published last week?

Mr. Mayhew

I am not able at this point to give a detailed answer to the hon. Gentleman, but I will write to him about the matter. It was made clear in our manifesto and in the election campaign that we did not support the Price Commission and that its days were very probably numbered.

Mr. Dykes

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that to get the right balance in these measures proposed for discuscussion with the TUC negotiations will need to take a substantial time? It would be wise to reach final decisions later rather than sooner.

Mr. Mayhew

The Government are determined that there should be ample time for genuine and substantial consultations. I agree with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Harold Walker

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman make clear the status of these working papers? Are they Green Papers? Are they consultative documents? Are they White Papers? To what extent will they form the basis for genuine consultation rather than a mere willingness to listen by the Government with no change? Will the hon. and learned Gentleman confirm that the contents of these working papers represent only a small part of the subjects under review by the Government, including maternity provisions, guaranteed pay, the appointment of worker safety representatives and the terms of reference of ACAS?

Mr. Mayhew

The right hon. Gentleman should know that the working papers are exactly what they say. They are working papers representing the Government's proposals for the implementation of measures set out in their election manifesto. They are genuine working papers and a basis for genuine discussions. As my right hon. Friend has said this afternoon, we shall also be bringing forward shortly proposals with regard to reform of the Employment Protection Act, especially those provisions which bear damagingly on employment.