HC Deb 09 June 1964 vol 696 cc58-9W
Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement about the dispute in the London fruit and vegetable markets.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I have decided to appoint jointly a Committee to inquire into this dispute. The Committee's terms of reference are as followsTo inquire into the causes and circumstances of the dispute between the Transport and General Workers' Union and the Market Tenants' Associations at the Spitalfields, Borough, Stratford, Brentford and King's Cross markets over the Union's claim for the introduction of a 40-hour working week from Monday to Friday and to consider the effect of such a change on all those likely to be affected by it, and to report.

I am glad to say that Mr. D. T. Jack, C.B.E., has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Committee. The names of the other members and the time and place of the hearings, will be announced as soon as possible. In view of the appointment of the Committee my right hon. Friend and I hope that work will continue normally in the markets.