§ 27. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the need of addi- 1564 tional labour for the successful completion of the re-armament programme, what steps he proposes to take, in conjunction with the trades unions, to ensure that dilutees are given adequate opportunities to establish themselves as craftsmen in their respective trades.
§ Mr. RobensI have discussed with the National Joint Advisory Council the measures necessary for ensuring that the re-armament programme is not held up through shortages of skilled labour. These include arrangements for training and up-grading. The terms and conditions of employment are, however, a matter for each industry to settle in accordance with its individual circumstances.
§ Sir T. MooreHas the right hon. Gentleman overcome the opposition among certain trade unions—
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWhat trade unions?
§ Sir T. Moore—to absorbing these dilutees, about which I have written to the right hon. Gentleman and his predecessor on several occasions?
§ Mr. RobensI should not like the House to think from the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary that the trade unions are not co-operating wholeheartedly with us. They are co-operating with us very well indeed. There might be isolated cases here and there, and I shall clear those up as they are brought to my notice.
§ Mr. PannellWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that at the outbreak of the last war the trade unions forsook practices which they had cherished for 100 years, and that they are not encouraged to enter into further agreements of this sort because of the fear of what would happen to existing agreements if the gentlemen opposite—the traditional enemies of the trade unions—ever got back to power?
§ Mr. RobensThere is no doubt that the craft unions especially have given up a lot of their practices. It must always be remembered that their practices are borne of their experiences of the 1920's and 1930's, but I am sure they will continue to co-operate with us in the direction we want.