§ 40. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour if he will now make a statement or issue a White Paper on the studies now proceeding concerning the application of automation and its effects on production, employment and social life.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Newton (Mr. Lee) on 16th February.
§ Mr. OwenIs the Minister aware that I do not recall at this stage the Answer given to the previous inquiry? May I ask, in view of the importance of this matter, that details of the studies now proceeding in his Department should be made available to the House as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, Sir. I recognise the importance of this point. I should be happier about the appointment of a Committee if I knew what that Committee was supposed to do. I think it would be wise to await the report, to which I referred in my previous Answer, before we make up our minds on that point.