CONFIDENTIAL
Page 51
C. Since the rail system had shown that it was unreliable, there might be a case for the Government reviewing the relative priority which it had given road and rail within its transport programme. The Government had recently announced a major increase in spending on roads: it was arguable that the road programme itself should be examined to ensure that it gave the right priority to roads which would help get people to work. The more that satisfactory alternative means of getting people to work could be developed, the more British Rail would risk permanently losing passengers.
NFIDENTIAL
d.
It was important that employees taking industrial action should feel the effect on their pay packets.
It
as unclear whether the striking union members were being affected in this way or whether the tax system operated in some fashion to cushion the blow. The point was worth examining further.
e.
Presentationally, the coverage by the media of the strikes seemed to be moving in the Government's favour. The NUR and the Official Opposition had no effective explanation for the Union's failure to refer its pay dispute with to the Railway Staff National Tribunal. Useful information had become available about the relatively average earnings of rail staff. But ways of further strengthening the Government's position should be considered: one possibility, for example, might be to brief all team of Government supporters in the House of Comans who could be available to present the Government case to the media as required.
the discussion, said that a aickly about the possible spaces in London. The eting on that issue within
THE PRIME MINISTER, summing decision was clearly needed provision of additional park Home Secretary should chair a the next 24 hours, at which the secretaries of State for Employment, Energy, Trade and Industry and Transport should be present or represented. Current arrangements for
and
monitoring industrial action in the docks,
for coordinating the Government's reaction to would need to be extended to cover industrial action in the transport sector. The Secretary of State for Transport should take account of the points made in discussion in the further handling of the various transport disputes.
Page 51
The Cabinet
1. Took note, with approval, of the Prime Minister's summing up of its discussion and invited the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Transport
4
CONFIDENTIAL
NFIDENTIAL
Page 51
CONFIDENTIAL