Disclosure of Information

HC Deb 04 July 1972 vol 840 cc73-4W

56. Mr. Hornby

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to receive the report of the Commission on Industrial Relations on disclosure of information by management.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I understand that the Commission hopes to present the report to my right hon. Friend in September.

64. Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from or on behalf of small businesses with regard to the disclosure of information by management to trade unions under Section 56 of the Industrial Relations Act; and what reply he has given.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The smaller Businesses Association expressed concern about the effects of this provision on small firms, particularly as regards the disclosure of financial information, during the passage of the Industrial Relations Act. Since then a small number of representations has been received making similar points on behalf of unlimited companies.

Section 158 of the Act protects from disclosure certain types of information, including confidential information and any information the disclosure of which would seriously prejudice the interests of the employer's undertaking for reasons other than the effect on collective bargaining.