§ 3. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the present official studies of the development of automation and its consequences are sufficiently wide in their scope; if he is satisfied with the co-operation being obtained from both sides of industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GodberThe studies of my Manpower Research Unit are closely concerned with the effects of automation on employment. As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Pentland) on 16th December, my Ministry is carrying out a number of case studies of technological change in particular firms which are designed to cover manpower planning and human 4 relations generally. Both sides of industry are co-operating fully in the various enquiries. I regard this as a most important subject. I should, however, like to see the outcome of some of the present studies before deciding on further action.
§ Mr. SmithCan my right hon. Friend say what studies are being made on the employment effects of automation, bearing in mind that this is perhaps the most human industrial problem of the next ten or fifteen years?
§ Mr. GodberI agree with my hon. Friend that this is the most important human industrial problem. In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, the Manpower Research Unit is studying the effects of automation, among other factors, on the future distribution of manpower between different sections of the economy and different occupations. Particular studies are being made of the change in manpower requirements, for example, of the metal and construction industries and of the effect of computers on office employment.