§ 51. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a Statement on his talks with the Confederation of British Industry, the Trades Union Congress and nationalised industries on the wide acceptance of adult trainees.
§ Mr. HattersleyMy right hon. Friend met representatives of these bodies on November 7th, when they agreed that an increase in the training of adults for skilled occupations was necessary in the development areas.
Detailed information is now being assembled about the places and industries in the development areas where there is difficulty in arranging such training. When the information is available we will have discussions with the two sides of industry on the further action that can be taken.
§ Mr. LewisI heard only the tail end of that Answer. Will the Minister bear 916 in mind that discussions on this matter have gone on for long enough and that it is time the trade unions were convinced by the Government, or by someone, that these trainees are acceptable to industry?
§ Mr. HattersleyThe Government have made their attitude on this matter clear, and I am sure that the next few months should be characterised by negotiations, rather than by bellicose action which may imperil the progress which has been made.