HC Deb 29 January 1942 vol 377 cc897-8
15. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of setting up production committees with a view to giving the employees an opportunity to put forward their suggestions for increased output and more economic production in all factories engaged on war work, with the exception of those where a representative works council exists at the present time, and whether he will override any obstruction encountered?

Mr. Bevin

As I have frequently said in the House in reply to Questions and otherwise, the Government are anxious that the maximum opportunity shall be afforded for joint consultation by constitutional methods between managements and workers on all matters of common interest, including production problems. I am giving continuous attention to this question, and the regional boards also have the matter prominently before them. In order that the greatest value should be obtained from such consultation, it is important that any machinery set up for this purpose should be developed by mutual agreement and should be so constituted as not to impair the general responsibility resting with the executives of the trade unions and employers' organisations.

Mr. Mander

Does not the Minister think that it is time to abandon the old laisser faire attitude and to give the workers by law the right to participate in the control of industry?

Mr. Bevin

I welcome this evidence. I wish to make it perfectly clear that I am not prepared to promote a system which takes away from the executives of trade unions their responsibility or control over people who are assumed to be represented.

Mr. Lipson

In what percentage of factories have these committees been set up?

Mr. Bevin

I cannot say without notice.