HC Deb 03 February 1949 vol 460 cc1808-9
5. Mr. Leslie Hale

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to announce the appointment of additional development councils for industry.

Mr. H. Wilson

Not yet, Sir. In addition to the three industries for which development councils have already been set up (cotton, furniture and jewellery) I am in consultation with six other industries about proposals for development councils. The industries concerned are clothing, cutlery, hosiery, wool, pottery and china clay. My hon. Friend will have noticed that I published on Monday a draft development council Order for the clothing industry.

Sir William Darling

Will the right hon. Gentleman have in mind the undesirability of hastening the establishment of development councils in view of the lack of conviction among many of those concerned as to their value?

Mr. Wilson

No, Sir. I shall have in mind the extreme desirability of hastening on the establishment of these development councils in as many industries as possible.

Mr. Hale

Is it not the case that Parliament has expressed its clear will in the matter and that the appointment of development councils is essential if the industries concerned are to increase their output and comply with the European Recovery Programme?

Mr. A. Edward Davies

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that among the organised workers in the pottery industry there is great disappointment and grave disquiet at the delay in the setting up of a development council for the pottery industry after the promises which have been made?

Mr. Wilson

I recognise that there is disappointment, but I have made it clear to the House before that I am trying as far as possible in these cases to get agreement between both sides of industry on the appointment of development councils.

Mr. Shepherd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that without co-operation, these development councils have little chance of success and that it is, therefore, much better to wait a little longer and get agreement than to rush into something on a compulsory basis?

Mr. Wilson

A reasonable amount of delay is justified, but not unnecessary and definite obstruction, in many cases by only a section of the industry concerned, to a council being established.