HC Deb 11 May 1950 vol 475 cc575-6
63. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to make known to both management and workers at the factory level the conclusions of the Anglo-American Council for Productivity, and to get American production methods with their higher wages and lower costs adopted in this country; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State for Economic Affairs (Mr. Gaitskell)

The Council is an independent body, representative of both management and labour in industry, and it is for industries themselves to implement the recommendations of the productivity teams they send to the U.S.A. The Government is ready to consider requests for assistance which may be made by the Council, or by the industries concerned.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister aware that the Council was set up on the specific request of the Chancellor, and that part of its finance is provided by the Chancellor? As the Americans are reducing costs of production to half our highest rate and paying wages of between £20 and £30 a week, does he not think that this would be a good thing for this country?

Mr. Gaitskell

I think these reports are very valuable, but I think it is far better to allow the industries themselves to carry them out.

68. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of recent reports by the Anglo-American Productivity Council regarding the level of industrial production in this country, and of the short time remaining before Marshall Aid comes to an end, he will now address a special appeal to both sides of industry to do everything possible to raise output, increase quality and lower costs.

Mr. Gaitskell

The Government are anxious to support in every way possible the steps taken by industries to increase their efficiency. A very good deal of publicity has already been given and is being given to the need for such measures, but we do not feel that a special appeal would serve any useful purpose at this moment.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister aware that I put down this Question originally to the Prime Minister, as being a matter for him, but that it was passed on to the Chancellor and has now been passed on to another Minister? In view of the fact that Marshall Aid will come to an end in two years' time, ought not a special appeal to be made before then?

Mr. Gaitskell

I have already answered the hon. Member's Question.