Steel Company of Wales (Industrial Dispute)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 29 January 1964.

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3.49 p.m.

Photo of Mr Joseph Godber Mr Joseph Godber , Grantham

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, I wish to make a statement on the dispute at the Steel Company of Wales.

As the House will know, the Executive Council of the Amalgamated Engineering Union yesterday put forward a new formula as a basis for the resolution of the dispute between members of the union and the Steel Company of Wales. I saw representatives of the company last night, and arranged for them to meet officers of the union at the Ministry of Labour this morning.

Following this meeting, I saw Sir William Carron and Mr. Cartwright, and they informed me that they had reached full understanding on the proposals to be submitted to the A.E.U. members at Port Talbot on Saturday morning.

I am sure that the House will join with me in hoping that these developments will lead to a settlement of this dispute.

Photo of Mr Raymond Gunter Mr Raymond Gunter , Southwark

I join with the Minister in saying that the whole House will welcome this encouraging turn. I feel quite confident, knowing Port Talbot, that the Minister's efforts will be very fruitful on Saturday morning.

There may be difficulties of which I am ignorant, but I should have thought that in this situation the meeting of the men could have been held earlier than on Saturday morning—that, possibly, they could have been got together tomorrow morning—so that any preparatory work necessary for the reopening of the works could have taken place. Would the Minister care to comment?

Photo of Mr Joseph Godber Mr Joseph Godber , Grantham

I quite understand the hon. Member's reason for putting that point. I am sure that he will appreciate that this is really a matter for the members of the A.E.U. themselves. I do not think that it would be proper for me to comment further.

Photo of Sir John Morris Sir John Morris , Aberavon

May I, on behalf of my constituents, also thank the Minister and his officials for their efforts during what have been, for many of us, very anxious weeks? Is the Minister aware how glad I am that the A.E.U. and the company have reached a full understanding; and that I wish the A.E.U. leaders well at Saturday's meeting? I express my confidence that the men will endorse the machinery which has been devised. If that happens, when will work be resumed, first, for the A.E.U. members, and, secondly, for the process workers and other non-A.E.U. men involved?

Photo of Mr Joseph Godber Mr Joseph Godber , Grantham

I am grateful to the hon. Member for his kind words. I am hopeful that this meeting will lead to a resumption of work. I am sure that the hon. Member will appreciate that, in the case of works of this magnitude, the question of resumption of work is something that has to be dealt with, and be the subject of discussion, between the two sides.

I do not think that I can add to what was said by the leaders of the two sides this morning, when they referred to this matter. Their manner has been one of somewhat restrained optimism.

Photo of Mr Ifor Davies Mr Ifor Davies , Gower

The right hon Gentleman's statement will be welcomed with great relief and satisfaction in my constituency, which has been vitally affected. His statement is the culminatiton of many discussions. As one of the Welsh Members concerned, may I express appreciation for the courtesy extended to us by the Minister throughout this trouble? Many lessons can be learned from this dispute, but the first priority is the return to work. I hope that the vital meeting of the men later this week will decide in favour of acceptance of the proposals.

Photo of Mr Joseph Godber Mr Joseph Godber , Grantham

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. I am sure that we all endorse his words. I take note of what he says about long-term thinking. Once the dispute has been resolved, I am sure that we will all want to learn the lessons that can be drawn from it.

Photo of Mr William Robson-Brown Mr William Robson-Brown , Esher

I should like to congratulate my right hon. Friend on his successful efforts in this case. They will be met with relief not only in Wales, but throughout the country. This was an unfortunate and regrettable incident, and I hope that, as soon as possible, reason and sanity will be brought to bear—

Photo of Sir Harry Hylton-Foster Sir Harry Hylton-Foster , Cities of London and Westminster

Order. On these important occasions, we must remember that what is permitted is a few questions, otherwise we drift into speeches and get into difficulty.

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelli

I thank the Minister and my hon. and right hon. Friends. I think that we all have had something to contribute to this result. If agreement is reached, can the Minister reach a decision about when the dispute comes to an end, and not leave it until Saturday? That would not only facilitate ending the dispute, but also enable those will then be unemployed to get unemployment benefit. Will he consider that point?

Photo of Mr Joseph Godber Mr Joseph Godber , Grantham

I do not think that I can say more than I have said about that matter. We must leave it to those concerned. I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his kinds words, but I do not seek any credit; I give full credit to those on both sides for the statesmanship that they have shown.