§ 75. Mr. Brooksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will estimate the financial consequences, in 124W terms of entitlement to unemployment benefit, of the abolition of the grade or class provision, and the abolition of the existing rule regarding the financing of particular disputes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanI have nothing to add to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to the hon. Member for Acton (Mr. Kenneth Baker) on 5th May.—[Vol. 783, c.13–14.]
§ 76. Mr. Brooksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry regarding his proposal to abolish the grade or class provision, and the rule regarding the financing of particular disputes; and how many individual trade unions and employers have so far written to him about his proposals.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe proposed changes in the trade dispute disqualification for unemployment benefit have been discussed with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry. The T.U.C., whilst welcoming them, has represented that the disqualification might be further relaxed in certain directions. The C.B.I., however, believes that any relaxations at the present time could increase the incidence and prolong the duration of strikes. No individual trade unions or employers have written to me.