HC Deb 03 February 1972 vol 830 cc167-8W
68. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will list the provisions relating to protection from disclosure afforded or conciliation officers and Commission on Industrial Relations staff under the Industrial Relations Act, 1971, in respect of private and confidential information communicated to them; whether he is satisfied that this will preserve adequately the interests of trade unionists who may be parties to proceedings under the Act; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Dudley Smith

The relevant provisions are Section 146(6) and Schedule 3, paragraphs 43, 45 and 46. The president of the industrial court has stated publicly that the court will respect the confidentiality of such discussions, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the interests of those who may be parties to proceedings under the Act, including trade unionists, are adequately protected.

arbitration boards; and whether he will make a statement on their replies.

Mr. R. Carr

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Islington, East (Mr. John D. Grant) on 20th January.—[Vol. 829,222.]