§ 55. Mr. Parkinasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consult with Trade Unions to obtain their help in accepting specific production targets, with a view to fixing firm delivery dates for export orders and in trade treaties.
§ Mr. MarquandTrade unions are already associated with many of the discussions between the Production Departments and the trade organisations concerned on production and export targets. Production Departments will progressively expand this practice.
§ Mr. ParkinBearing in mind the great difficulty in negotiating bi-lateral agreements, will the hon. Gentleman impress on the Chancellor the need to extend this practice as widely, thoroughly and fundamentally as possible, because the only people who can improve on the estimates of manufacturers are the workmen who are going to do the job and they must be consulted at every stage?
§ Mr. MarquandI can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no need to impress this on my right hon. and learned Friend.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it not a fact that the trade union movement has always given the fullest co-operation whenever it has been asked by the Government?
§ Mr. MarquandI am extremely sorry, but I could not hear what the hon. Member said.