73. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many hours were lost through strikes in the Scottish vehicle manufacturing industry in 1971; and what were the comparable figures in each of the previous seven years.
§ Mr. BryanIn official statistics loss of time through industrial stoppages is measured in terms of "days lost". Scottish figures for 1971 are not yet available but I will write to my hon. Friend in due course.
The comparable figures available are:
Stoppages of work due to industrial disputes Motor vehicles*: Scotland Working days lost in all stoppages in progress in year 1970 120,000 1969 82,000 1968 123,000 1967 19,000 1966 66,000 1965 52,000 1964 18,000 * For 1970, MLH 381 of the Standard Industrial Classification 1968 and for earlier years, MLH 381 of the 1958 edition.
74. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will set up a committee to inquire into labour relations in the Scottish vehicle manufacturing industry.
§ Mr. BryanI do not think that a committee of inquiry into labour relations generally in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry in Scotland would be helpful. However, my officers are always prepared to discuss industrial relations332W problems with management and unions.