HC Deb 04 July 1955 vol 543 cc764-6
41. Mr. G. R. Strauss

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he took to ascertain the views of the engineering industry before it was decided to transfer his responsibilities for that industry to the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Erroll

Before the decision was taken my right hon. Friend the former Minister of Supply met and discussed the proposed transfer with a group of some twenty leading industrialists representing a cross-section of the engineering industries, and also with the Presidents of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions and of the Amalgamated Engineering Union.

Mr. Strauss

Is it not a fact that these people were only informed of the Government's proposal and were not consulted, in that they were not asked what their opinions were? Is it not a fact that they simply received information as to the Government's decision?

Mr. Erroll

No. I am very glad to be able to inform the right hon. Gentleman that they were consulted and asked for their views. It was as a result of the views which they then expressed that the decision was taken.

Mr. Strauss

We were told that these views were very much divided, were we not?

Mr. Erroll

That is correct. There was a division of view, but the majority was in favour.

42. Mr. G. R. Strauss

asked the Minister of Supply what is the definition of the light-metal industry which is to remain his responsibility after the other recently-announced changes in responsibility have taken place.

Mr. Erroll

The Ministry of Supply will continue to exercise the responsibilities for aluminium, magnesium and titanium in all stages beyond that of primary metal which it has at present.