§ 51. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Prime Minister whether he will call together representatives of employers and employed with the object of setting up a national industrial conference with the object of formulating an industrial or labour code which would provide for a fair profit to the employers, security and an adequate standard of life to the workers, and immunity from unnecessary strikes and lock-outs to the general public?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is not clear that any useful purpose would be served by such a conference as is suggested, but if there were any general indication by employers' and workers' organisations that a conference should be called, the Government would be prepared to give the suggestion sympathetic consideration.
Lord H. CAVENDSH - BENTINCKMay I remind the right hon. Gentleman that the present Homo Secretary contributed an important article to the Press advocating such a conference as tending to produce confidence in industry among employers and employed.
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes. My reply to that is, that if there was any indication on the part of either that that will be welcome, the Government would give it sympathethic consideration.
§ Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that invitations have already been issued by the Minister of Labour to independent gentlemen to attend such a conference, and offer their services in deciding this particular point?