§ 1 Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of Works Councils that are representative of all interests that have been set up since September, 1939;
(2) the number of Works Councils which are representative of all interests that have been set up in the aircraft factories since 1939;
(3) the number of Works Councils in industry and the number in Royal Ordnance Factories; and is he satisfied with the functioning of the councils and the number?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)There are no statistics available as to the number of Works Councils which have been set up since September, 1939. I am aware, however, that there has been a welcome increase of interest in this matter both among employers and employees. So far as Royal Ordnance Factories are concerned, it is the general policy of the Ministry of Supply to establish these councils. I am satisfied that in general the councils are performing a valuable service and I look forward to their establishment on a much wider scale.
§ Mr. TinkerWill my right hon. Friend see to it that this is made known to the workers?
§ Mr. E. SmithIn view of the determination of the men employed in the factories to obtain the maximum production and to have a say in bringing that about, does not my right hon. Friend think that more concrete steps should be taken by the Ministers responsible in order to set up the largest number of councils?
§ Mr. BevinI have encouraged that, but I am in the difficulty that one of the largest unions concerned is opposed to this form of council, and that makes my task rather difficult.