§ 12. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the operation of the Employment Acts 1980 and 1982; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom KingThe 1980 and 1982 Acts have redressed the imbalance of bargaining power which was created by the legislation of 1974 and 1976. They have restored the protection of the law to victims of the closed shop and provided a remedy for those whose businesses and jobs are threatened by indiscriminate and irresponsible industrial action.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the step-by-step approach adopted by the Government since 1979 has proved wise in practice? Will my right hon. Friend resist any temptation to depart from that cautious approach to the reform of industrial relations law?
§ Mr. KingThat approach is right, and I am grateful for my hon. Friend's support. The third step, with what I confidently expect will be the 1984 Act, will be in place by the end of the year. The impact of the closed shop legislation is still to be felt. By 1 November 1984 a ballot must be held if a closed shop is legally to continue.
§ Mr. Norman AtkinsonWhy did the Government advise Mr. MacGregor that it would not be in the interests of the coal industry for him to take the National Union of Mineworkers to court under the provisions of the 1980 and 1982 Acts?
§ Mr. KingThe Government told Mr. MacGregor no such thing. Mr. MacGregor and the board of the NCB are responsible for their decisions. They have made their decisions, and the Government have every confidence in them.