§ 51 and 52. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on the subjects discussed and decisions reached at his series of conferences in 10, Downing Street, which ended on 8th July, 1955, with the chairmen of the nationalised industries and at the previous conferences with those chairmen and with representatives of the Trades Union Conference and of the British Employers Federation;
§ (2) what subjects affecting Scottish trade and industry were discussed and what decisions were reached at his recent series of conferences at 10, Downing Street with the chairmen of the nationalised industries.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe meetings which my right hon, Friend the Prime Minister has had recently with representatives of the British Employers' Confederation, the nationalised industries and the Trades Union Congress have given him a welcome opportunity to hear at first hand their views on the present state of industrial relations. The discussions, which were informal and exploratory, were of a general nature and will be followed up by further talks between my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour and the representatives concerned. The subject of industrial relations has, in fact, been placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the National Joint Advisory Council on 27th July.
§ Mr. HughesDid the meetings discuss the losses which the nation has sustained by the disintegration of the transport system?
§ Mr. ButlerI should not like to go into further detail than has been given in my statement.
§ Mr. ButlerI have just indicated that the matter is now to be taken further by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour at the next meeting of the N.J.A.C. That is as far as we can say, but the House will, of course, be kept informed of any development.