§ Mr. CormackTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce further industrial relations legislation.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewThe Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill at present before the House includes an enablement whereby certain provisions may be extended to Northern Ireland by means of an Order in Council subject to negative resolution procedure. The provisions to be extended to Northern Ireland deal with EC obligations—relating to proof of an employment relationship, procedures for handling redundancies and protection against dismissal of health and safety workers—employment rights—relating to pregnant workers, sex discrimination and industrial tribunals procedures—and the abolition of wages councils. It is my intention to introduce such an order as soon as possible following Royal Assent.
433WThe application to Northern Ireland of provisions equivalent to the remainder of the Bill, and also the provisions of the Employment Act 1990, will be considered in due course following discussions with local bodies.