§ Q2. Mr. Dickensasked the Prime Minister when he proposes to call the National Conference on Productivity; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterOn Tuesday, 27th September, Sir.
§ Mr. DickensMay I welcome this announcement and indicate to the Prime Minister the fact that many hon. Members on this side of the House are very glad to see the Government taking a positive initiative in this sphere?
§ The Prime MinisterThis activity has been going on continuously through the various Departments concerned and through the economic development committees for individual industries. It has been thought desirable that we should now call together the leading representatives of both sides of industry to consider what further can be done to give a drive throughout industry to technological advance.
§ Mr. JoplingIn view of the Prime Minister's public commendation of the increased productivity of the agriculture industry, will he set up talks immediately with the leaders of that industry to increase production in view of the assistance that that could be to the present balance of payments crisis?
§ The Prime MinisterThere have been a series of talks. In fact, I have had talks myself with the N.F.U. on this subject. As I have indicated previously, it is intended that the agriculture industry will be represented at this joint conference.