9.
Mr Evans of the TGWU said that the country was as far away from attaining permanent full employment as it had been before the war. He made clear his difference of opinion with the Prime Minister by stating that he would not accept that any nationally determined pay limits should impede movement towards a 35-hour week. On the best estimates available, full achievement of a 35-hour week could create nearly 750,000 jobs, 200,000 of them in the public sector. Mr Jenkins of ASTMS argued that the new technology would within a period of a few years lead to a level of unemployment of 5 million people in the absence of corrective measures. Composite 11 was adopted unanimously on a show of hands.
International Debate
10. Mr Jack Jones, making his last speech as Chairman of the International Committee of the General Council, introduced the debate on international affairs and a copy of his speech on 7 September is attached. He departed from his text to denounce the breaking of sanctions against Rhodesia.
Northern Ireland
11. The debate began with a motion on Northern Ireland regretting that the Government had not yet enacted a Bill of Rights; reaffirming support for the Better Life for All programme of the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and calling on all of the people to isolate the men of violence and to support a peaceful political settlement. The motion also expressed regret that Amnesty International had found cause to report that inhuman treatment continued by a section of the security forces in spite of the Government's assurance to the European Court of Human Rights. Congress called on the British Government to consult with representa- tive organisations to see if there is a political initiative which could be taken to break the deadlock. The motion was moved by Mr A Barr, a representative of the Sheet Metal Workers Union based in Northern Ireland who was making his last appearance at Congress which he had frequently addressed on Northern Ireland issues. He claimed that the climate was favourable for a new political initiative and that the British Government had a responsibility to guarantee the right to life and freedom from violence and discrimination, and to end poverty. Poverty in Northern Ireland was caused by low wages, which were on average £5 a week below corresponding wages in Great Britain for male adult workers. Unemployment in the province was more than double the national average. Violence was no solution to poverty and the Government should ensure that there was no violation of the undertaking given to the European Court of Human Rights on the treatment of prisoners. If peace was to be attained, justice must be ensured. The motion was seconded by Mr Buckton of ASLEF who said that little had been done over 10 years. Only positive policies would bring peace in Northern Ireland and the trade unions had a duty to talk to the Government to see what the movement could
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