§ 19. Sir G. Manderasked the Minister of Labour how many Joint Production Committees there are in Wolver Hampton, Willenhall and Wednesfield; how far they are actively operating; and what steps he is taking to secure that such councils in general remain a permanent feature of our industrial organisation.
§ Mr. ButlerThe establishment of joint production committees and similar bodies is a matter of voluntary arrangement between the employers and workers concerned, and no detailed information is available as to the number of such committees in any particular area, or the work they are doing. As regards the last part of the Question, it will be my policy to encourage the widest measure of co-operation between employers and workpeople, but the development and maintenance of works committees and similar bodies for this purpose will rest finally on the mutual desire and good will of those concerned.
§ Sir G. ManderWill my right hon. Friend do all he can, by persuasion and negotiation, to persuade those concerned to carry on these committees?
§ Mr. ButlerNaturally we like to see them, and we trust there will be the necessary good will and desire for them on the part of the parties concerned.