§ 4. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Labour how many man hours were lost by workers in the motor industry through strikes and short-time working, respectively, during the year ended 31st December, 1960.
§ Mr. HareDuring 1960, 503,000 working days were lost in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry through industrial disputes. Corresponding figures for time lost through short-time working are not available.
§ Mr. EdelmanWhile we regret these strikes, may I ask whether it is not the case that the amount of time actually lost through strikes is very small, amounting to only one and a half days per man per annum, and that, consequently, the effect on the difficulties of the motor industry has been extremely small? In those circumstances, would not the right hon. Gentleman now say when his committee on labour relations in the motor industry will report?
§ Mr. HareI should not like to exaggerate or minimise the effect of strikes. It is important to realise that the 503,000 working days lost in the motor industry in 1960 represent about one-sixth of the total working days lost in industry as a whole, so we must not minimise the gravity of the matter.
I hope to start talks under my chairmanship with both sides of industry on 20th February.
§ 5. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Labour what was the number of workers in the motor industry unemployed on 1st 5 January, 1961; how many were working on short-time; and what action he is taking to provide suitable employment for those unemployed and underemployed.
§ Mr. HareNo figures are available for 1st January, 1961. On 16th January there were 3,476 workers wholly unemployed in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry and 38,298 registered as temporarily stopped. It is estimated that at that time 123,000 were working on short-time in firms making motor vehicles and components. My local officers are doing everything possible to help those seeking other employment.
§ Mr. EdelmanAre not these figures very grave? In the circumstances, particularly as the situation has deteriorated considerably since January, what guidance is the Minister giving to both workers and management about the figure at which he intends or hopes to stabilise the labour force in the motor industry? Does he intend that the labour force should remain constant, that it should be reduced, or even that it should be increased at some later date?
§ Mr. HareWe have no power to direct labour. The motor industry is going through a very difficult time, but I hope that matters will improve during this year.
Mr. LeeIn view of the tragic figures which the right hon. Gentleman has just given, can he say whether it is still the intention of the motor car industry employers to go ahead with their £300 million expansion programme?
§ Mr. HareSo far as I know, they have every intention of going ahead with the programme of expansion which they have announced, which shows that the motor car industry has confidence in its future.