§ 3. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Labour to what extent joint consultative machinery has now been established in industry engaged on war production; and the numbers of firms and employés affected?
§ Mr. ManderIn view of the great importance of machinery of this kind for overcoming production difficulties of all sorts now existing in factories, will the Minister not do everything he possibly can to urge the formation of such committees?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir, I have done that over and over again. I have asked an officer of my Department to take special steps to try and induce the setting-up of this machinery, but the setting-up of machinery by itself, unless there is the will to work it, is no good.
§ Mr. ManderSurely, it is important to know to what extent the Minister has been successful in setting up the machinery. Will he not consider making inquiries on that point?
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the Minister now say that, although there is need for joint consultative machinery of the kind referred to in the Question, there is a difficulty about the will to work it? If there is not a will to work it, is any action going to be taken to induce those who are reluctant to work it to do so?
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs not the lack of will to work it shown by the employers and not by the men?