HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 c1669
7. Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Labour whether he intends to set up an advisory council to assist him in mobilising the man-power in the engineering and shipbuilding trades; and whether he can name the members of the committee?

Mr. Bevin

I am constantly in touch with the representatives of both sides of the engineering and shipbuilding industries and a formal advisory council seems to me to be unnecessary. I am, however, considering with the industries whether it would be useful to appoint small panels which could be a convenient means of discussing with representatives of my Department points arising from time to time.

Mr. Davidson

On a regional basis?

Mr. Bevin

No, I have been considering a national basis up to now, because I have to consider the national organisations for the unions and for the employers. Under the Essential Work Order, for the purpose of dealing with matters in the localities, I have already agreed to local committees being established.

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