HC Deb 12 April 1962 vol 657 cc159-60W
49. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Germany's economic recovery is due largely to her having less than twenty trade unions against over 200 in Great Britain; if he will introduce legislation to get a consolidation and reduction in the number of British trade unions and so obviate inter-union disputes and their effect upon the economy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hare

The economic recovery of Germany is due to many factors. I welcome steps by trade unions to amalgamate on a voluntary basis particularly where this will help to avoid inter-union disputes. But in my opinion legislation to compel trade unions to consolidate would not be helpful to the betterment of industrial relations.