§ 8. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Labour what consultations he has had with the trade unions on the prospective effect on employment and conditions of employment caused by the introduction of automatic factory methods.
§ Sir W. MoncktonNo consultations have been held with the trade unions on this general subject, but if there are any matters of this kind which they would like to raise at any time I should always be ready to consider them.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the principle of the automatic factory implies a revolution in technique comparable in its consequences with the Industrial Revolution? Would it not be desirable at the present stage to set up a joint committee to consider what the consequences might be for employment generally?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe automatic control of industrial processes by instruments 542 is not so surprising a new development as one might think. In the case of oil refineries one has been familiar with it for some time. A similar type of control will be found in the new strip mill in South Wales. I am sure that directly the unions feel that a discussion would be useful they will come to me, and I shall at once accede to their wish.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Americans claim to have built a complete jet aircraft without the intervention of any human workers in the process?