Engineering Employers and Patternmakers (National Agreement)

HC Deb 26 February 1965 vol 707 c158W

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour if he will draw the attention of both parties to the National Agreement between the National Engineering Employers and the United Pattern-makers Association, clause 7 of which states that systematic short-time shall be worked where practicable in preference to discharging men when a deperession in trade takes place.

Mr. Thornton

The interpretation or application of this clause is a matter for the parties to the Agreement.