§ 46. Mr. Blackburnasked the Prime Minister what instructions he has issued to the Departments concerned to secure the immediate co-operation of the Federated British Industries and the Trade Union Congress and all appropriate sections throughout British industry representing workers and employers in the attempt to bring about increased production, and in appropriate circumstances longer working hours; and what response he has had to his appeal of 24th October, 1949, on this subject.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Departments concerned are always in touch with the industrial organisations to which the hon. Member refers. It is too early to assess the response to my appeal of three days ago, but I trust that all sections of industry will promptly and urgently re-examine every possible means of increasing production and lowering costs, and removing any restrictive practices which stand in the way of those objectives.
§ Mr. BlackburnIs the Prime Minister aware that there are very many workers in this country, and to my certain knowledge in Birmingham, who are only too anxious to respond to the Prime Minister's appeal; and may I also ask him whether he will see that this matter has his own personal and immediate attention so that the appeals he makes can be implemented by workers anxious to safeguard the position?
§ The Prime MinisterCertainly, that is the object of the statement. We have asked everybody to get together.