HC Deb 17 June 1948 vol 452 cc633-5
23. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to announce the progress which is being made with the setting up of Development Councils as provided for in the Industrial Organisation and Development Act, 1947; and in particular what is holding up the formation of a Development Council for the pottery industry.

Mr. H. Wilson

In reply to the first part of the Question, I have at present nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Mr. Sparks) on 3rd June. With regard to the pottery industry, as I told my hon. Friend in reply to his question on 11th May, the reason for the hold-up in the pottery scheme was that the British Pottery Manufacturers Federation were discussing with the National Society of Pottery Workers an alternative scheme they had formulated. Their proposals were not in fact acceptable to the National Society, but they have now been formally referred to me by the Federation. I have undertaken to consider them, and am at present doing so.

Mr. Davies

Would not the Minister agree that it is time some decisive action was emerging from the consideration of these councils, and will he tell us from where the opposition is coming? In the case of a pottery council, is it not a fact that many of the more progressive manufacturers are in favour of setting up a council?

Mr. Wilson

Yes, it is certainly time for decisive action and I can promise that to my hon. Friend before the House adjourns. The delay has been caused, as I think he knows, first by illness on the part of the President of the Pottery Manufacturers Federation, secondly by a rather havering attitude on the part of the trade unions concerned. Certainly I can promise him some action in the near future.

Mr. Mikardo

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Trades Union Congress has expressed its disapproval of the attempts made by Tory organisations to persuade trades unions to have an ad hoc non-statutory body in place of a development council? Will he add his discouragement of this practice? Further, does he recall that we worked very hard in the Debates on the Bill, to get him powers of compulsion, and will he use these powers wherever necessary?

Mr. Wilson

I am well aware of that expression of opinion by the T.U.C., and in all cases where a development council would be appropriate, naturally I should consider it a retrograde step to have any other kind of body.