HC Deb 25 March 1974 vol 871 cc12-3
10. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, when consulting employers, he will consider the need to have discussions with bodies other than the CBI.

Mr. Benn

Yes. There is a variety of subjects on which discussions with other organisations might be more appropriate.

Mr. McCrindle

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he bear in mind the possibility of engaging in discussions with active trade associations? In that way, would it not be more likely that he would gain an up-to-date impression of business opinion far beyond what is likely to be gained by consulting the CBI alone?

Mr. Benn

Without allowing the hon. Gentleman to tempt me into criticism of the CBI, I am well aware of the fact that there are many interests, apart from the CBI, which represent the best amalgam of business opinion that is available. However, if I am able, as I indicated in my speech during the debate on the Queen's Speech, to move cautiously towards more disclosure of Government thinking before decisions are made over a wider area, this will provide other opportunities for people to make their comments before final decisions are reached.

Mr. Dalyell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the criticisms of the last Government, especially from the motor car industry, was that too much attention was paid to the CBI and too little attention was paid to some of the major employers?

Mr. Benn

I am aware of that. It is difficult for the Government to find everybody with whom they should consult unless they are prepared to be more open about their decision-making. It may be that, if we move in the direction I mentioned a moment ago, people who have an interest which they would like to be considered will find it easier to have it considered, instead of finding that they are always fighting a rearguard action against a decision that has already been taken.

Mr. Richard Wainwright

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the advantages of regularly seeking consultation with bodies which, whilst being associated with management, operate on a professional code of conduct and within a democratic structure inside their own organisations?

Mr. Benn

The hon. Gentleman must be referring to the trade union movement. I intend to develop and extend consultations with the trade unions. If the hon. Gentleman is also thinking of other professional associations, I would certainly have them in mind as well.

Mr. Redmond

Would not the right hon. Gentleman get a better view of the problems of industry, particularly in the regions, and also especially of small firms, if he held more discussions with the chambers of commerce than he does with the CBI, simply because the chambers of commerce are nearer to the grass roots of the small firms in industry?

Mr. Benn

I tried to answer that question in my first reply. I recognise that a very large number of people are directly affected by and hence interested in all Government decisions. That is why the process of moving forward by wider consultation, by indicating the lines of Government thinking in advance, may provide the best guarantee for everybody who would be interested. In so far as it is practicable, it would be my intent to do that.