HC Deb 02 November 1939 vol 352 cc2081-3
17. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour the extent to which joint bodies, representative of employers and employed for the purpose of co-operating in the supply of war requirements, have already been set up both nationally and locally; and whether he will give the names of the bodies already appointed, and the localities?

Mr. E. Brown

The supply of war requirements is not the responsibility of my Department, and questions on this subject should be addressed to the Ministers of the Departments concerned. With regard to advice on general questions arising out of war time conditions, I have recently, in consultation with the British Employers' Confederation and the Trades Union Congress General Council, set up a National Joint Advisory Council to advise on all matters in which employers and workers have a common interest. In many other ways I am receiving great assistance both nationally and locally on matters arising out of the war from employers' and workers' organisations and from bodies on which employers and workpeople are represented.

Mr. Mander

The Minister has said that a national body has been set up; is it proposed, in association with it, to set up any local committees on the same lines?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Member will write to me and tell me exactly what he has in mind and what information he wants. He will understand that I am reluctant to include long lists which may be unnecessary, but if there is any particular information he desires I shall be glad to try to supply it.

Mr. Mander

The right hon. Gentleman made reference to a national body that has been set up.

Mr. Brown

That has already been done, and the first meeting was held yesterday.

18. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour the extent to which joint industrial councils in industry are functioning at the present time; and whether it is proposed to develop and extend their work during the present crisis?

Mr. Brown

Joint industrial councils and all other forms of voluntary joint machinery are continuing to function in their respective industries and are dealing effectively with the special problems arising at the present time. I am glad to take this opportunity of paying tribute to the very real value in the national interest of the work that is being done by such bodies, and it is my policy to stimulate the provision of joint machinery in industries where it has not yet been established.

Mr. Mander

Are any further joint industrial councils under consideration at the present time?

Mr. Brown

I should like notice of that question.