Heath and the New Right

Question 1

The 1971 Industrial Relations Act

Answer 1

• It was an extension of ‘in place of strife’, which Wilson’s government failed to enact.
• It restricted the right of workers to strike by introducing a new concept of ‘unfair industrial practice’
• A National Industrial Relations Court (NIRC), with authority to judge the validity of strike actions, was created
• Unions were required to put themselves on a government register of they wanted to retain their legal rights.

Question 2

Who headed up the new government department of Trade and Industry and what did he advise?

Answer 2

• John Davies
• Davies had been a director-general of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry)
• He advised the government against helping ‘lame ducks’.

Question 3

Selsdon Man

Answer 3

• Heath declared that he intended ‘to reduce the rise in prices, increase productivity and reduce unemployment’ - he wanted to reduce state intervention in economic and social matters
• This strategy was founded in Selsdon Park, Surrey in Jan 1970
• Policies included tax reform, better law and order, reforms to trade unions, immigration controls, cuts to public spending and the end of public subsidy of ‘lame duck’ industries
• Heath decided to abandon an incomes policy, his government wouldn’t seek to impose wage and salary freeze or interfere with pay settlements instead, market forces would operate - allowing free bargaining between employers and workers.