HC Deb 29 January 1970 vol 794 c1701
15. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will negotiate a research contract with the Economics Faculty of an appropriate university, with a view to general studies, involving the social and economic consequences of a number of mergers in industry.

Mr. Dell

Following the pilot study referred to in my right hon. Friend's answer of 4th December, we have made good progress, in consultation with a number of academic research bodies, in drawing up a fuller research programme.

Mr. Dalyell

Would my hon. Friend say to which academic research bodies these relate?

Mr. Dell

We are in consultation with a number of bodies; for example, Sussex University. We have not yet decided the manner in which this research will be conducted. We will certainly bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Hooley

Could my hon. Friend's Department bring some pressure to bear on the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation to have consultations with the trade unions as well as with private employer interests when involved in far-reaching measures which may result in substantial redundancies?

Mr. Dell

This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology, but my understanding is that the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation has exactly that sort of consultation in respect of mergers in which it is involved.