§ 15. Mr. Maudlingasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received the report of the sub-committee of the National Joint Advisory Council, which was set up in April, 1949, to examine restrictive practices in industry.
Mr. LeeThis question was discussed at the recent meeting of the National Joint Advisory Council on 31st January, when it was agreed that in the present critical conditions it would be preferable for each industry to examine what could be done in the circumstances of that industry to increase productivity to the full and to remove any obstacles to full production. This new positive approach to the question has the support of both sides of industry, and I am confident that it will prove to be the most effective way of tackling the problem.
§ Mr. MaudlingIs the Minister aware that it is now nearly two years since the Lord President of the Council promised the House that a full investigation would be made into this question, and can the House be given fuller information about this?
Mr. LeeIt is not a question of a Government inquiry. It is a question for both sides of the National Joint Advisory Council and there has been no attempt by the Government to stop it. There are difficulties, and both sides are co-operating very well to try to overcome them.
§ Mr. Henry StraussDoes the information at the Minister's disposal enable him to state whether Luddite practices are increasing or diminishing?