HC Deb 16 February 1932 vol 261 cc1468-9
45. Mr. MANDER

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider taking steps to encourage and promote the establishment of a National Industrial Council?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

I have no evidence that the general body of opinion among the representatives of employers' and workers' organisations is in favour of the establishment of a National Industrial Council, and, in these circumstances, I do not think that I could usefully take any action in the matter.

Mr. MANDER

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that during the Mond-Turner conversations an agreement was reached between the employers and the employed in regard to this question, and does he not think that such a council should be set up in the light of that agreement?

Mr. BALDWIN

I agree with the hon. Member that the question is an interesting one and something some day may be done in regard to it. At present the information I have given the hon. Member is correct. The matter was under in vestigation by the Labour Government when they were in office. At the present time there is not sufficient unanimity of feeling on the matter to lead to a successful result.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not a fact that every effort made to establish a National Industrial Council for industry has been frustrated by the attitude of the trade unions themselves?