HC Deb 30 June 1952 vol 503 cc3-4
4. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Supply what discussions he had with trade union representatives during his recent official visit to Coventry

Mr. Sandys

During my brief visit to Coventry I had no formal discussions either with trade unions or employers.

Mr. Edelman

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the fact was widely publicised that he had discussions with the employers? Is he further aware that in Coventry and the Midlands generally there is a widespread feeling that he is not putting the workers in the picture in the same way as his predecessor did? Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he and his Government still subscribe to the policy of joint consultation in industry?

Mr. Sandys

When I pay longer visits to cities it is my practice to invite representatives of the trade unions to meet me so that we can discuss common problems, as I did the other day at Sheffield and earlier at Manchester. I was only in Coventry for a few hours, and there was no time to have discussions either with the employers or the trade unions. I was introduced to a number of representatives of the trade unions when I went round the factories.

Mr. Edelman

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the first possible opportunity of having formal consultations with trade unionists in the Midlands so that they may appreciate and understand his point of view and his programme in connection with re-armament and the export trade?