HC Deb 04 March 1998 vol 307 cc1056-8
Q11. Mr. Bill Michie

I welcome my right hon. Friend's answer to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, East (Mr. Livingstone) on industrial relations and the forthcoming Bill. May I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to early-day motion 826 which concerns 350 workers who have been sacked by management even though they went through the proper legal procedures? Will the new legislation ensure a level playing field for workers and employers and prevent the present problem of the unions having to obey the law while, for some strange reason, employers can flout it?

The Prime Minister

The purpose of the proposals is to make it clear that there has to be fairness in the workplace. I know about the Magnet dispute since it happened just outside my constituency. I very much hope that the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service can be involved. I know that it was at one point, but it is not at present. I hope that the negotiations can resume. That is easily the best way to resolve the dispute.

Dr. Fox

Responsibility for abortion is not to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, yet on 29 January, Hansard reported the Under-Secretary as saying—

Madam Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman knows that he may not use quotations at Question Time.

Dr. Fox

The Under-Secretary said that if there was to be change to the abortion law in Northern Ireland, it should be considered by a devolved assembly. Why should there be such a difference between Northern Ireland and Scotland?

The Prime Minister

Scotland and Northern Ireland need not necessarily be treated in the same way across the various programmes for devolution. One of the points of devolution is that what happens in Northern Ireland or in Scotland is a matter of debate and can be decided in different ways.

Q12. Ms Beverley Hughes

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the deal brokered by Kofi Annan to allow access to presidential sites must be tested as soon as possible to ensure that Saddam Hussein does not renege on commitments that he has entered into? Does my right hon. Friend also agree that it is important that the policy of diplomacy backed by force remains in place?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Contrary to speculation, the Security Council resolution is a big step forward. It makes clear that the severest consequences will flow if there is any breach of the agreement. That is written into the resolution and it sends the clear message to Saddam Hussein that he must allow inspectors in, and testing to begin, or force will inevitably follow as a result of his breaching the agreement. The mixture of diplomacy and force has got us to where we are, and it is right to continue to use it. British troops, with American troops, will remain in the Gulf to ensure that the agreement that Saddam Hussein's Government have entered into is tested, adhered to and obeyed.

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