§ 42. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour what consultations he has had with British industrialists, and the Trades Union Congress for the absorption of displaced labour.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodIt is my practice at the regular meetings of the National Joint Advisory Council to review the employment situation in the country, and problems arising from the displacement of labour are discussed as necessary.
§ Mr. OwenIs the Minister aware that hon. Members on both sides of the House are fully aware of the importance of this machinery, but, in view of the increasing gravity of the problem, would the Minister consider the possibility of developing this consultation more at the 1168 local level so that the varied experience of local trade unions can be brought fully into play?
§ Mr. MacleodI think this is the right forum at the national level. At the local level, there are such provisions as the local employment committees, which do excellent work. As far as consultations with trade unions and employers are concerned, the right way is to work through the National Joint Advisory Council.