§ 45. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he can now make a statement on his meeting with the representatives of the National Engineering Employers, the Amalgamated Engineering Union and the Confederation of Engineering Unions, and outline the policy of the Government?
§ The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)I have had conferences with representatives of the employers and trade unions in the engineering industry, at which I informed them of the Government's desire to accelerate the completion of the Defence programme and asked for their co-operation. I made it clear that the methods to be adopted for accelerating engineering production are matters to be discussed by the industry itself. I emphasised in accordance with the statement of the Prime Minister on 24th March that it is not for the Government to try to dictate to the industry the detailed action which will be necessary. It is in accordance with our traditions that the great Indus- 1119 tries themselves, through their joint machinery, should work out the details in the manner which is likely to be most effective. I understand that it has not yet been possible for the discussions to be commenced, but I am confident that the procedure which I have suggested will be seen by those concerned to be that best fitted for meeting the national requirements of the Defence programme with due regard to the interests of all those engaged in the industry.
§ Mr. SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that that while the unions realise their responsibilities, they have not forgotten how badly they were let down on the last occasion, and in view of that, will the Minister give an undertaking that, whatever takes place, the Government will see that the rights of the engineering workpeople are not affected by these negotiations?
§ Sir T. InskipI have already informed the representatives whom I have had the pleasure of meeting that any matter which they want the Government to consider will receive prompt and sympathetic consideration.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister not aware that he will never get the co-operation of the workers of this country until we get a Government that is determined to pursue a policy of peace?
§ Mr. ManderWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the course of these discussions, any guarantee was asked for by the unions with regard to foreign policy?
§ Sir T. InskipNo guarantee was asked for in connection with foreign policy or any other matter at those meetings. The meetings were preliminary to the discussions which we hope will take place between the two sides of the industry.