HC Deb 14 April 1943 vol 388 c1210
48. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Production the present position with regard to joint production committees; whether they have been set up generally throughout industry; to what extent delay and obstruction is being experienced; and whether he will issue a general report on the results achieved?

Mr. Lyttelton

Of firms in the engineering and allied industries, 3,350 are, according to the latest available information, known to have set up joint production committees. This is an increase of 706 in the last three months. In addition, committees are known to be in process of establishment at 170 firms. I am not aware of any serious opposition to the setting up of committees. In the nature of the case these committees are primarily concerned with the domestic affairs of individual establishments, and it would not be practicable to summarise the results achieved. It is not, therefore, my intention to issue a general report of this character, I am, however, satisfied that, generally speaking, they are performing very useful work.

Mr. Mander

Has my right hon. Friend seen the very interesting and detailed report recently issued by the Amalgamated Engineering Union, and could he not convey the information from reports of this kind in a general report to the House?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am taking up the individual cases which are referred to in the report.

Mr. Granville

Would the Minister consider that there is still a certain amount of misunderstanding about these production committees, and would his Department consider issuing some sort of advice or pamphlet on the matter?

Mr. Lyttelton

We have done our best in the matter. Misunderstanding exists over a great many subjects.

Mr. Higgs

Can my right hon. Friend inform the House how many firms that were under an obligation to organise these committees have failed to do so?

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