Tyne Tees TV interview with Manny Shinwell, a British trade union official, Labour politician and one of the leading figures of Red Clydeside, later becoming Lord Dormand of Easington, County Durham. The interview is in response to the government’s Prices and Incomes Act, 1967, and the devaluation of the pound on November 20, 1967, amidst increasing wage claims. This item was originally broadcast on 1 June 1968. The reporter asks Manny Shinwell what prompted him to say that if he had to...

Tyne Tees TV interview with Manny Shinwell, a British trade union official, Labour politician and one of the leading figures of Red Clydeside, later becoming Lord Dormand of Easington, County Durham. The interview is in response to the government’s Prices and Incomes Act, 1967, and the devaluation of the pound on November 20, 1967, amidst increasing wage claims. This item was originally broadcast on 1 June 1968. The reporter asks Manny Shinwell what prompted him to say that if he had to choose between the government and the party, he would choose the party. He replies that he has supported the government in every possible way, but he believes the political direction they are taking will lead to a clash with the Trades Union movement, which he is bound to protect. He explains that he does not want to destroy the government, but believes it is on a path of self-destruction if it proceeds with the new statutory legislation to control wages, prices and incomes, rather than continue with the voluntary system he supports. He believes that a clash with the Trades Unions will affect the next election results. He wants the party to survive because it is related to democracy. The interviewer states that Shinwell has mentioned the 1931 situation and asks whether that isn’t a very grave statement. Shinwell talks about the National Government of 1931 when a coalition of major political parties under Ramsay MacDonald, Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain were formed and held office from 1931 until 1940. He talks about the support from the Trades Union at that time. He muses about what would happen if there was a vote of no confidence in the Labour government and it was defeated. There may be an economic recovery, but if the Trades Unions do not back the government, he wonders what will happen to the Labour party. It could be shattered, and then, he believes, it would be the end of democracy in this country. The interviewer asks if the government would be wise to change their mind about the Prices and Incomes Bill if the situation is so grave. Shinwell says that the government appear to be immovable. A members’ meeting was called but Barbara Castle’s speech seemed to affirm that the government would not listen to their views as they had already made up their mind. There was no negotiation on the bill. He says he will support the government if they change their mind.