HC Deb 06 July 1960 vol 626 cc428-9
12. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour if he will invite representatives of employers and trade unions to consider with him the human and industrial problems of the next five years.

Mr. Heath

I am, of course, in regular contact with representatives of employers and trade unions through the various advisory bodies concerned with special aspects of these problems. I am also frequently in touch with them in many other more informal ways.

Mr. Lipton

Is the Minister aware that in the 1959 election programme of the Conservative Party, in the section which was somewhat ironically entitled "Sharing Prosperity", a pledge was made to call such a conference as I have indicated in my Question? When will the right hon. Gentleman redeem the pledge, or will it be one of the many unredeemed pledges of this Administration?

Mr. Heath

This Administration is continually in process of redeeming its pledges. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh"] That is why the hon. Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton) is so upset. I am perfectly ready to enlarge consultation with both sides of the industry when a suitable opportunity occurs.

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