HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc303-4W
Sir G. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Power what study he has made of the letter from the secretary of the Corby branch of the Association of Supervisory Staffs, Executives and Technicians dated 6th June about a memorandum by the Director of Personnel and Social Policy in the National Steel Corporation to the effect that there is no need now or in the future for staff to join unions; what proposals he has for giving a direction to the National Steel Corporation in this regard; and when he expects to be able to reply to that letter.

Mr. Marsh

I answered this letter yesterday, and am sending a copy of my reply to my right hon. Friend. The Corporation is already under a statutory obligation to establish adequate conciliation and consultation machinery for all the employees of the nationalised steel industry and is now discussing with the T.U.C. how to give effect to this obligation. It has never advised staff not to join unions.