§ 11. Mr. S. Silvermanasked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for the application of automation to British industry; and to what extent this is expected to increase unemployment.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThe application of automatic techniques in industry is, in the main, the responsibility of industry itself. The economies in direct labour requirements resulting from automation should be balanced by other factors leading to increased employment such as a bigger demand for equipment and rising sales due to lower costs. It is recognised that temporary disturbances in employment may be caused in certain industries and areas and that this is a problem which must be watched.