§ 2. Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Labour whether, and how, the workpeople's views are considered with regard to production, and how their services might be utilised to the best advantage; what steps are taken to deal with reports of waiting time where it is above the average; is there a weekly check of local area and national results; and, if so, what steps are taken on reports received?
§ Mr. BevinSo far as co-operation at the centre is concerned, my hon. Friend will be aware that the Minisry of Supply have appointed an Advisory Committee of representatives of trade unions nominated by the T.U.C. General Council. The Admiralty and M.A.P. have Labour Advisers who are in close touch with the T.U.C. in connection with matters of this kind and under the Essential Work (Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing) Order, both a national committee and local consultative committees, including representatives of employers and trade unions, are being set up. I have no information about the practice in individual establishments, but I feel sure that enlightened employers welcome practical suggestions put forward by the operatives, and in many cases have made formal arrangements for receiving and considering such suggestions. Any report that waiting time is excessive in any particular establishment which is brought to the notice of my Department is immediately investigated and steps are taken in co-operation with the Supply Department concerned to remedy the position by removing the causes where that is practicable or by transferring the workpeople to establishments, where they can be fully employed. I assume that the last part of the Question relates to production results. If so, it should be addressed to the production Ministers concerned.