§ 8. Colonel Greenwellasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the irritation caused to experienced managements 348 in many shipyards and marine-engine works by the recommendations made by inspecting committees, usually composed of individuals with little or no experience of management or of circumstances governing conditions in individual establishments, sent round by regional labour controllers; whether he is satisfied with the results obtained; and whether he will consider the advisability of suspending the functioning of these committees?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to inspections made by technical officers of my Department in the discharge of their responsibilities in regard to the efficient use and distribution of labour. These officers, many of whom possess previous managerial experience, have a difficult task to perform in reconciling the needs, and sometimes the idiosyncracies, of particular managements with other imperative demands for labour. On the whole my right hon. Friend is satisfied that they have performed this task efficiently and without any greater degree of friction than is inevitable in such circumstances. He could not contemplate suspending the work of these inspectors, without which it would be impossible for his Department to discharge its responsibility of ensuring that the available man-power is used to the full.
§ Colonel GreenwellHave any inquiries been made as to what effects these boards have? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that dislocation has been caused in some instances?
§ Mr. TomlinsonWe have had a good many of what I would call protests against the interference of Government Departments in the running of businesses. I think the answer I have given indicates the necessity for interference in this direction.