§ 54. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Production to what extent joint production committees or works councils are now functioning in industry; whether the results achieved are regarded as satisfactory; and if it is proposed to retain them as a permanent feature of our industrial organisation.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Production (Mr. Garro Jones)My information is that 4,565 firms have Joint Production Committees or equivalent bodies. These Committees have been a valuable feature of industrial collaboration between managements and workpeople. They were established in the engineering and allied industries by an agreement between the Engineering and Allied Employers' National Federation and the principal trades unions concerned. That agreement terminates at the cessation of hostilities but the organisations concerned will no doubt give careful consideration to the question of its continuance after the war in the light of experience gained.
§ Mr. ManderCan my hon. Friend say what percentage the figure he gave is of the total number of firms affected by the agreement?
§ Mr. Garro JonesI do not know that I can work out the arithmetic. It might be possible to get it, if my hon. Friend will put that figure down. I have not got it in my head.
§ Mr. ManderI beg to give notice that owing to the importance of this Question, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.