37. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made towards the setting up of a committee of inquiry, containing trade union representation, to assess the technical, economic, and social problems raised by automation.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI would like to wait for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Report on this subject, which I understand will soon be available, before deciding what action on my part may be necessary.
Mr. LeeIs the Minister aware that these committees are functioning on the Continent, and, I understand, have prepared reports? Is he aware that there is a feeling in this country that there is a certain dragging of feet on the issue? Will he do everything he can to expedite the Report?
§ Mr. MacleodWe shall get this Report, and I am sure that it will be a valuable Report, although I do not suppose that anything earth-shaking will emerge from it. In the light of it, I shall be able to consider what further steps I want to take.