§ 5. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Minister of Labour what official visits were paid under the auspices of his Department 542 during 1955 to the United States and to Western Germany by representatives of the employees in industry to study methods of production and working conditions.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNo such visits took place last year directly under the auspices of my Department. During that year, however, sixteen teams representing British trade unions visited various countries on the Continent under a scheme organised by the European Productivity Agency to study methods of production and working conditions. Nine of these teams visited Western Germany. This country reciprocates by receiving similar teams under the scheme from other European countries, and my Department plays an active part, with the workpeoples' and employers' organisations and other bodies concerned, in arranging programmes for these incoming parties.
§ Mr. JohnsonWhile I in no way suggest that our methods are in any degree behind those of the countries I have mentioned, may I ask if my right hon. Friend will continue to do all he can to encourage these visits, not only by representatives of the trade unions, but also by employers, because I am sure that all can benefit from the experience?
§ Mr. MacleodI am very glad to do everything I can to encourage such visits, although the actual rôle of my Department in connection with them is perhaps limited; but it is an excellent thing that we should travel and see as much as we can of the work which is being done.