HC Deb 02 August 1956 vol 557 cc1561-3
2. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now make a full statement on the results of his consideration of automation and on the results of raising the matter at the Government Advisory Council and several joint committees.

Mr. Carr

The question of automation was considered by the National Joint Advisory Council at their meeting on 25th July. They were in general agreement with the conclusions of the report by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research that automation has not so far caused any serious employment problems and is unlikely to create unmanageable problems in the future. The three sides of the Council are continuing their examination of the problems involved and the Council will resume discussion at a later meeting.

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade also discussed the question with the Engineering Advisory Council on 4th July. Members from both sides of industry welcomed a proposal to make inquiries, which are being put in hand, about the adoption of new production techniques and the availability of special equipment. Similar discussions have taken place with other advisory bodies in the engineering field.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the Minister convey to his right hon. Friend the information that I have heard great appreciation expressed of those joint talks; but the immediate issue is short time in certain industries which are preparing to adopt automation, so can the Minister say whether his right hon. Friend has given consideration to the document I am holding, which was published by the United States? If so, is it intended to take any action on it?

Mr. Carr

My right hon. Friend is considering that document. However, I would like to emphasise that, in our view, the short time to which the hon. Gentleman refers is not significantly attributable to automation. I think this is the view of both sides of industry.

Mr. Robens

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that perhaps the greatest revolution which the application of electronics to industry will make will be amongst clerical workers? Can he say whether the Ministry of Labour is giving careful consideration to what steps it is likely to be able to take when many clerical workers will certainly be displaced by new machines for clerical work?

Mr. Carr

I think there is considerable point in what the right hon. Gentleman has said. I can assure the House that we are not treating this matter with any complacency. The B.E.C. has set up a special committee to consider automation in all its aspects. The T.U.C. is working through its economic and production committees. The fact that discussions are to be resumed means that there is no laziness on the subject and that we all feel that this is a matter which ought to be looked at most carefully and thoroughly.