Mr Edward Bishop: This is, I suppose, a maiden speech, although I think that on this occasion one may not claim the necessary indulgence because I want to make some observations which may or may not be challenged. I have the honour to be the Member for Newark, and I am sure many Members remember the work done by my predecessor, Mr. George Deer, who was well respected and loved as a Member of this House for...
Mr Edward Bishop: asked the Minister of Power if, in order to encourage the National Coal Board to manufacture some of the machinery and equipment it needs, he will remove the present restrictions; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Edward Bishop: asked the Minister of Power if he is aware that some tenants, sub-tenants and guests are being forced to pay high prices for metered electricity; and if he will issue a general direction to boards to take steps, under Section 29 of the Electricity Act, 1957, to ensure that prices charged are reasonable.
Mr Edward Bishop: Is my hon. Friend aware that the freedom to make this excessive charge for metered electricity also enables landlords to make a substantial increase in their rent incomes, and that this helps to violate any controls we have upon rents? Will he therefore emphasise the urgency of the matter with his friends in the electricity boards?
Mr Edward Bishop: asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that adequate facilities are available in all institutions and prisons under his control to ensure proper treatment leading to mental health of those detained; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Edward Bishop: asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that long-term prisoners, and particularly those convicted of murder and other serious crimes, are likely through their detention and the treatment available to become better citizens; and whether he will review the present system to ensure that such prisoners have more opportunity to become so.
Mr Edward Bishop: Would the Minister not agree that the speedy implementation of some of the recommendations in the Anson Report about work for prisoners would remove some of their frustrations and help towards rehabilitation, and would enable some prisoners on release eventually to become more useful citizens?
Mr Edward Bishop: It falls to me to have the pleasure of paying tribute to the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Sir T. Brinton) on his maiden speech. I am sure that from today he can feel that he can take a more vigorous part in the business of the House. It seems strange that I should be paying tribute, although I willingly do so, because I am myself a new Member. I got over the ordeal of my maiden speech on...
Mr Edward Bishop: As I understand, that was the case. There was an agreement with the management, and I understand that the management, in its relationship with Rookes following this dispute, told him about the agreement to which he contributed by his intention and efforts, and as a result he left the company. It was not a matter of a man fighting against the tyranny of a trade union. If there was any tyranny,...
Mr Edward Bishop: Be that as it may, I think it still true to say that he was one of the people who helped to bring about the agreement with the B.O.A.C. on this matter. The right hon. Member for Grantham (Mr. Godber) spoke about the protection of the individual and referred to it as being hardly won by Mr. Rookes. We must set those comments of the right hon. Gentleman against the situation which I have...
Mr Edward Bishop: That may be so. This procedure which has been accepted can take up to three months, and in the process great discontent can arise. It has been suggested in other quarters that if a union submits "proper notice", it can strike; but "proper notice" is for the purpose of terminating employment, whereas strikers hope to return to their jobs. If, by suspending employment temporarily, it is...
Mr Edward Bishop: I would have thought that hon. Members on both sides of the House would support me in my contention. Unless we can clarify what is before the House and later before the public we shall be doing a disservice. Clarification is what is needed here.
Mr Edward Bishop: I do not think one can engage in a debate on the civil aviation industry without having some regard to the problems facing the industry. There are many, and among them must be included increasing competition from foreign airlines. We have the problem of the industry having to use costly and ever-more complex aircraft, and there is a costly servicing and maintenance system. At the same time we...
Mr Edward Bishop: I beg to give notice that on Friday, 19th March, I shall call attention to certain aspects of the Feilden Report, and move a Resolution.
Mr Edward Bishop: I beg to move, That this House, having regard to the observations of the Feilden Report on Engineering Design that Great Britain's share of international trade in engineering goods has been declining, and that in spite of some notable successes, too many British products are being outclassed in performance, reliability and sales appeal, and that imports of machinery have been increasing,...
Mr Edward Bishop: I am sure we are all grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mr. Blenkinsop) for raising this very important subject. I am pleased also to see the hon. Member for Gloucestershire, South (Mr. Corfield) in his place. His previous responsibilities fit him to make a contribution to our discussion, and we are also aware of the great interest he takes in this subject. I welcome...
Mr Edward Bishop: I do not intend to digress—
Mr Edward Bishop: —from the subject which is under consideration. The fact is, of course, that the Government have to have regard to the immense calls upon their purse in so many directions at the present time and must have a sense of priorities, and I certainly leave to the Minister to assess how the money is to be spent.
Mr Edward Bishop: I know the hon. Member is trying to catch the eye of the Press to get a write up in the local newspaper, but I think even the local Press must have gone home by this time. Be that as it may, the fact is we need to have regard to the present position and also to the inheritance, and the hon. Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Robert Cooke), who approves freedom, should therefore have regard to the...
Mr Edward Bishop: I am obliged, Mr. Speaker. I deplore the way in which the hon. Member opposite is bringing politics into this. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh".] Having seen the hon. Member for Gloucestershire, South here, I did not realise that the hon. Member had been creeping up on me in this way, but his intervention ought not to worry us.