§ Dr. WORSFOLDasked the Minister of Labour if he will state to how many industries has the Whitley scheme been applied up to the present time; in how many instances within his knowledge has the institution of a Whitley council been objected to by employers and employés, respectively; what is the present position with regard to the application of the Whitley councils to the life, fire, and general insurance industry; and, if it is not applied, will he undertake to see to its institution in this industry?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe scheme has been applied, up to the present time, to 61 industries. It is not possible to give a definite answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's question. The Ministry of Labour does not assist in the formation of councils except with the agreement of the employers and employés concerned, and after ascertaining that the organisation among employers and among employés warrants the establishment of a council. In very few cases, however, where the circumstances have appeared favourable to the formation of a Council has serious objection been met with, either from employers or employés. The present position with regard to insurance is that there is not at present agreement between the two sides as to the necessity of a council. It is understood, however, that at the moment the intervention of the Department is not desired, and in these circumstances the point mentioned in the last part of my hon. Friend's question does not arise.