§ 6. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Labour what information he has with regard to action taken by employers in the way of compensation and pension to workers discharged through rationalisation?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONAs the hon. Member doubtless knows, provision for compensation is made in legislation dealing with certain industries, for example in the Electricity Supply Acts. Apart from such cases, I understand that there have been a certain number of voluntary arrangements of the kind referred to, but I am not in possession of information in a form which enables me to answer the question.
§ Mr. MANDERWould it not be possible for the Department to secure information on this important subject, and publish it?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have considered that, but it is very difficult, almost impossible, to say whether the discharges are owing to rationalisation or to any other cause. But, in any case, the result of such an inquiry would necessarily be incomplete.