§ Mr. Goodhartasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement about an agreement under Section 9 of the Baking Industry (Hours of Work) Act, 1954, between the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers and the Amalgamated Union of Operative Bakers, Confectioners and Allied Workers.
Mr. lain MacleodI understand talks are taking place and have made some progress. I am ready to assist if necessary in further talks with a view to securing an Agreement under Section 9 of the 1954 Act. But I should make it clear that in the absence of such an agreement Her Majesty's Government would introduce legislation to grant exemptions, in special circumstances, from the provisions of the 1954 Act.