HC Deb 07 March 1972 vol 832 cc302-3W
Q6. Mr. Skinner

asked the Prime Minister what plans he has to hold further meetings with trade union delegations in 10 Downing Street.

The Prime Minister

I shall be meeting representatives of the Trades Union Congress at 10 Downing Street next Thursday; and expect to continue to have regular meeting with representatives of the trades union movement.

Q13. Mr. Ashley

asked the Prime Minister on how many occasions he has met trade unionists at local level since the beginning of this parliamentary Session.

The Prime Minister

It is my normal practice to meet local representatives of the trade union movement during my visits to the regions. Trade unionists took part in the discussions I had with the Merseyside Advisory Committee on Unemployment on 11th February and with the South West Economic Planning Council on 3rd March.

Q17. Mr. John D. Grant

asked the Prime Minister if he will now make a practice of inviting trade union leaders to meet him at 10 Downing Street.

The Prime Minister

It is already my practice to have regular meetings with trades union leaders, both at 10 Downing Street and during my visits to the regions. In addition to trade unionists who have come to 10 Downing Street as members of wider delegations, those whom I have met since June, 1970, include:

  • 1st September, 1970. General Secretary of the T.U.C., for a wide-ranging review of current issues.
  • 22nd February, 1971. General Council of the Scottish T.U.C., to discuss Rolls-Royce.
  • 11th March, 1971. Economic Committee of the General Council of the T.U.C., to discuss its Economic Review.
  • 21st June, 1971. General Council of the Scottish T.U.C., to discuss Upper Clyde Shipbuilders.
  • 1st December, 1971. General Council of the T.U.C. to discuss unemployment and other economic issues.
  • 16th December, 1971. Social Insurances Committee of the T.U.C., to discuss pensions.
  • 15th February, 1972. General Secretary of the T.U.C., to discuss the miners' strike.
  • 18th February, 1972. The General Secretary of the T.U.C. was present during the talks to settle the miners' strike.