§ 73. Mr. G. Longdenasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the arrangements for compensating workers in the nationalised gas industry for the loss of their co-partnership rights.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerUnder Section 59 of the Gas Act of 1948, Parliament decided that the future of the co-partnership schemes should be decided by the industry itself. The Gas Council and the trade unions have now made an agreement on the matter, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Under the agreement, co-partners will for 15 years, so long as they remain in the service of the area gas board, receive a bonus equivalent to their existing bonus under the schemes. Other benefits under the schemes, for example, gas and appliances at reduced prices, and health and welfare matters, will be dealt with by the negotiating and consultative machinery set up by the Gas Act.