HC Deb 17 April 1961 vol 638 cc776-8
15. Mr. John Page

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made with the establishment of a committee on the selection and training of supervisors in industry.

Mr. Hare

I have now appointed a committee which will hold its first meeting tomorrow, 18th April. The terms of reference are as follows: To review the progress made since the publication in 1954 of the Report of the Committee of Inquiry on the Training of Supervisors and the problems which have been encountered in organising effective training schemes; to consider arrangements for the selection of supervisors and to examine whether there is a need for a central organisation to further the development of supervisory training. The chairman will be an Undersecretary of my Department. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the members of the Committee.

Mr. Page

What does my right hon. Friend consider to be the main objectives of the Committee? Will he draw the Committee's attention to the fact that in some industries supervisors consistently receive less pay than those they are supposed to be supervising?

Mr. Hare

In answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I have done this after consulting my National Joint Advisory Council. On this Council we are examining a number of problems affecting relations between management and employees. I personally believe that good supervision can help to improve relations on the shop floor. An up-to-date review will therefore be helpful to both sides of industry. As to the other question which my hon. Friend asked, employers will doubtless take note of what he said.

Mr. R. Carr

Will the Committee be able to consider the possible extension of the Ministry's facilities at Letchworth for training supervisors and whether the facilities could be made available to industry on a fee-paying basis?

Mr. Hare

I do not think there is any reason why the Committee, if it wishes, should not look at the point my hon. Friend has raised.

Mr. Lee

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the past there has been pointed criticism about the very low pay which supervisors receive? Is it within the terms of reference of the Committee to recommend that supervisors should not be allowed to fall below a certain salary level?

Mr. Hare

I do not think that would be within the terms of reference of the Committee. On the other hand, publicity will be given to what the hon. Gentleman said as well as to what my hon. Friend said.

The membership of the Committee is as follows: