HC Deb 24 June 1947 vol 439 cc178-9
5. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of Labour what British industries have now completed plans for the assessment of work load; and to what extent his Department is giving assistance in passing on to other industries the benefit of the knowledge gained in this field.

Mr. Nee s Edwards

I have no information as to the extent to which special plans of this nature have been instituted ay individual industries.

Mr. Prescott

Would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to find out?

Mr. Ness Edwards

It does not really come within the ambit of the Ministry of Labour, but there is a further Question on the Order Paper from which some information may be gained.

6. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of Labour when he expects that the present investigations into the assessment of work load in the cotton-spinning industry, which are being adopted by the Cotton Board, are likely to be completed and to what extent his Department is assisting in this matter.

7. Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the work load assessment investigations being carried out under the auspices of the Cotton Board.

Mr. Ness Edwards

An experimental scheme involving redeployment of labour in accordance with an assessment of work loads has been instituted by stages in a cotton spinning mill and will soon be in complete operation. The result of the experiment will then be measured and a report presented to the representatives of both employers and workpeople. The responsibility for this experiment rests with the Cotton Board, and I am unable to say when that Board will be in a position to publish its report. The services of our Department are available for such advice and information as may be desired.

Mr. Prescott

Is it not possible to give some indication within broad limits as to when this Report might be expected?

Mr. Ness Edwards

The publication of the Report is not as a rule within our control. We shall ask the Cotton Board to speed up publication of the result of this experiment so that it may be available to the rest of industry.

Major Haughton

Does this investigation cover the disparity between mule spinning and ring spinning?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I understand it covers the whole of the operations in the cotton industry, and a comprehensive report will be published.