HC Deb 13 July 1948 vol 453 cc1006-7
42. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Labour how much public money was expended in producing the Ministry of Labour film "They Gave Him the Works"; and whether this film is going to be released, in view of the strong criticism it has already evoked.

Mr. Isaacs

This film, which deals with the important subject of joint consultation in industry, was produced by the Central Office of Information for my Department at a cost of £7,059. It has already been widely distributed in cinemas and, as can be expected of a film on a subject of public interest, has received both criticism and praise.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of people who saw the pre-view of this film in Manchester at the end of June were of the opinion that it depicted an old factory with the people quarrelling amongst themselves, and could do no good work for industrial relations? Will he have it withdrawn?

Mr. Isaacs

I do not know whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman has seen the film, but I have, and I consider it is a very good method of drawing attention to the differences that exist between management and workers, and is a good way of putting it over. I hope there will be an opportunity to show it in the House of Commons cinema next week.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

May I ask who is the person to whom the works have to be given?

Mr. Gallacher

As the Minister is aware that there is very little hope of the employers giving the workers the works, should not the title of the film be, "Let Them Take The Works"?

Mr. Erroll

Will the Minister confirm that the events depicted in this film are anything but typical of the good relations in the vast majority of factories in this country?

Mr. Isaacs

If hon. Members would only see the film, they would understand that it depicts the bad conditions at the beginning, the way to get good conditions, and the good conditions that have been obtained at the end.