§ 6. Mr. SHORTasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, when consultation took place with the motor manufacturers respecting the setting up of the shadow factories, a similar approach was made to the trade union representatives of the employés con- 391 cerned; and, if not, whether it is proposed to do so?
§ Sir T. INSKIPNo, Sir. The proposals were not such as to interfere in any way with the normal relations between the firms concerned, as employers, and the organisations representing their employés.
§ Mr. SHORTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction and ill-feeling in the engineering industry in connection with these factories and others, and would it not be wise to interview the representatives of the unions?
§ Sir T. INSKIPI prefer to leave the ordinary organisations to function in the usual manner.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIn the event of circumstances arising in which these parties do not come to agreement, may that not leave terrible dissatisfaction in the workshops; and what action does the Minister propose to take in those circumstances?
§ Sir T. INSKIPI have already said in answer to a previous question, that the Industrial Courts Act provides a remedy in such circumstances.
§ Mr. SHORTHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the recent issue of the journal of the Amalgamated Engineering Union?
§ Sir T. INSKIPPerhaps the hon. Member will let me have a copy.