HC Deb 28 September 1944 vol 403 cc387-8
2. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour the present position with regard to his consultation with the Trade Union Congress and the Employers' Federation and other branches of industry with a view to arriving at proposals for the maintenance of the machinery of collaboration through joint production committees and works councils in the post-war period.

Mr. Bevin

The consultation to which my hon. Friend refers is continuous, and is part of my general policy of encouraging collaboration between employers and workpeople on all matters affecting their common interests, and at all levels of organisation. The particular methods of collaboration which my hon. Friend has in mind can best be developed on a voluntary basis, and their success will depend upon mutual confidence and understanding. The relationships which have been maintained and developed during the war have made a notable contribution to our industrial effort, and I hope that they will be continued into the peace.

Mr. Mander

Can my right hon. Friend indicate that he hopes they will be continued, and that steps will be taken to encourage that?

Mr. Bevin

I said that, in the first part of my answer.

Professor Savory

On a point of Order. Will you give instructions, Sir, for a window to be opened, as we are breathing the same air as we did on Tuesday and Wednesday?