§ 25. Mr. Freesonasked the Minister of Technology what proposals his representatives on the economic development committees have made for establishing workers' participation in economic planning and in solving the particular problems of the industries for which he is responsible.
§ Mr. CousinsTrade union representatives participate in all the activities of E.D.C.S which cover the whole range of industries for which my Department is responsible. They enter fully into all discussions of proposals for solving the particular problems of these industries.
§ Mr. FreesonMy right hon. Friend has not answered the Question, which was a follow-up to a previous Parliamentary Answer. Does he not agree that this is of vital importance in achieving the objectives set down in the Labour Party manifesto at the election to achieve industrial democracy in this country? Will my right hon. Friend please consult some of his right hon. Friends to get action in the field of industrial democratic development?
§ Mr. CousinsThat again, I suggest, is entirely different from the Question which was put down. I am asked what directives my Department gives to economic development committees and I have answered the Question in the form in which it was put. If one is talking 1572 about the question of participation of workers in industry in a matter of that nature, a Question should be put down.
§ Mr. David SteelWill the Minister encourage the suggestions of Liberal policy coming from his hon. Friend the Member for Willesden, East (Mr. Freeson)?