HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc764-5
22. Mr. Williamson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the arrangements for consultation between the Government and the two sides of industry on the matters that are of common interest to employers and workpeople.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Yes, Sir. The Government have been giving considerable thought to this subject. It is the declared policy of the Government to entrust the responsibility for the determination of terms and conditions of employment to the joint machinery of negotiation between employers' and workpeople's organisations. There is no intention of departing from that policy, but the Government consider that it will assist and reinforce this machinery of joint negotiation if there is the closest possible contact between the two sides and the Government. This will enable both sides to have before them the fullest possible information regarding the general economic position and plans as they affect matters of common interest to employers and workpeople.

Accordingly, it is proposed to establish a regular system of consultation on such matters between the Government and the two sides of industry responsible for the machinery of collective bargaining. It is hoped by this means that the Government will have a ready means of obtaining an authoritative and representative view on problems as they arise and that the organisations of employers and workers will have a regular means of assessing all the factors relevant to their consideration. My right hon. Friend has already had a discussion with his National Joint Advisory Council, who have readily expressed their willingness to cooperate. The first meeting of the reconstituted Council will be held at an early date.

Sir W. Smithers

Does this Government consultative machinery recognise scab unions?