HC Deb 11 April 1983 vol 40 c543
18. Mr. Canavan

asked the right hon. Member for Middlesbrough, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what subjects he expects to be discussed at the next meeting between the Commission and trade union representatives of staff of the House

Mr. Beith

I have been asked to reply.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him by the right hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Mr. Bottomley) in response to a question in similar terms on 7 March.

Mr. Canavan

Has the hon. Gentleman anything further to add to the reply given to me in April 1982 about the no-strike clause for House of Commons employees? In view of the understandably outraged opposition from the trade unions, does the Commission seriously believe that that is still a good idea, or is the management pushing for that measure, which would make the House of Commons look even more Right-wing and reactionary than the Secretary of State for Employment?

Mr. Beith

Both the Commission and the trade unions are anxious to secure a satisfactory procedural agreement. To that end, further proposals were put to the unions in December. I understand that they are now the subject of further discussion between the various unions involved. The hon. Gentleman's form of words do not give a true picture of the discussions now taking place, and I would not wish to prejudice what appears to be good progress by adding anything to what has been said previously.