HL Deb 03 December 2003 vol 655 cc309-10

3.4 p.m.

Lord Bradshaw

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they propose to take in the light of threatened industrial action on the London Underground.

Lord Davies of Oldham

My Lords, the Government regret this action by RMT, which will cause disruption for Londoners in the run-up to Christmas. London Underground was transferred from central government to Transport for London on 15th July. Responsibility for dealing with the threatened industrial action rests with Transport for London and the Mayor. London Underground believes that the union's concerns can be addressed without industrial action. It is essential that the unions work with London Underground to resolve the issue.

Lord Bradshaw

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his Answer. However, in the run-up to Christmas, the proposed industrial action is monstrous. In view of the fact that—largely at the behest of the unions—we now have a Health and Safety Commission in charge of railway safety, there can be no excuse for it. Will he give an undertaking that either he or the Mayor—it is convenient for the Government to shuffle this over to the Mayor—will go to the High Court to seek an injunction to stop what is purely a political strike?

Lord Davies of Oldham

My Lords, it is not a question of convenience for the Government that it is a matter for the Mayor; that is objectively the fact, as a result of the transfer of the responsibility. However, I of course agree with the noble Lord that the action comes at an unfortunate time. We do not believe it is justified; we believe that London Underground is making every attempt to reassure the unions about how safe the Underground is. The noble Lord is right to say that the Health and Safety Commission also has a clear responsibility in this area and is also ensuring that all requirements are met.

Viscount Astor

My Lords, will the Minister condemn unofficial strike action? Will he answer the Question asked by the noble Lord, Lord Bradshaw, and tell us whether the Government will encourage the Mayor of London to use the powers under various industrial relations Acts that relate to unofficial strikes?

Lord Davies of Oldham

My Lords, this is not a strike; it is action; it involves moving the trains more slowly than normal. It is not unofficial, because it has been out to ballot and has been duly voted for by a majority of those who participated in the ballot under trade union and employment law. So there is no question to answer in those terms.