§ 2.47 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what have been the results of the discussions between the Ministry of Labour, the Committee of London Clearing Bankers, the Central Council of Bank Staff Associations, and the National Union of Bank Employees regarding recognition of the last-named and an adjustment of the negotiating machinery.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (LORD HUGHES)My Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister of Labour had separate discussions with the parties on January 17, 1968. He suggested that the question of 131 banking hours, including arrangements in respect of Saturdays, on which the Central Council of Bank Staff Associations have been pressing for current negotiations to be brought to a conclusion as a preliminary to tripartite talks about the establishment of national machinery, should be a matter for early negotiation within that machinery as soon as it was established; and that on this understanding the tripartite talks should begin at an early date. These suggestions are being considered by the three organisations.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, whilst I welcome very much the attitude of Her Majesty's Government on this matter, may I ask whether it is not a fact that negotiations have been held up by the demand of the staff associations that acceptance of payment for Saturday work should be dealt with prior to the establishment of national machinery? Will the Government continue to urge that national machinery should be set up and that this should be made a priority when the discussions take place?
§ LORD HUGHESMy Lords, so soon after the Minister's meeting with the parties, I would not wish to make any further comment other than to express the hope that the tripartite meeting will take place in the very near future.