§ 102. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that strikes and voluntary absenteeism in 136W the basic industries have reduced the productive effort in the industry concerned and the productivity of the export industries; and whether he will take steps to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. GunterI share the hon. Lady's concern about strikes and voluntary absenteeism which can cause disproportionate harm to our exports.
I have taken steps to improve industrial relations both generally and in a number of industries which are particularly prone to strikes. The Government will consider what further action is necessary when it receives the report of the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations. The individual employer is in the best position to tackle the problem of voluntary absenteeism