§ Sir J. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Labour whether his policy and intentions have changed since 14 weeks ago he appointed a small joint committee of employers and operatives in the building and civil engineering industries for the purpose of advising him upon any matters concerning these industries; whether he is aware that, although the committee has held itself in readiness to meet at very short notice and very frequently, it has been called into consultation only upon two occasions for comparatively trifling purposes although many matters vitally concerning these industries have arisen in the interim; if he has considered a letter of protest sent to him two weeks ago in regard to this from the operatives and employers concerned and if he is willing to discharge the committee in order that the national organisations of operatives and employers may be left independently to look after the interests of the operatives concerned?
§ Mr. E. BevinI should like to assure my hon. Friend that it remains my intention to consult the committee to which he refers. I regret that in the pressure of events the committee has not been called together more frequently, though I should not agree that the subjects discussed were comparatively trifling. Another meeting is proposed for an early date. It will be my1452W aim to maintain close contact with the representatives of employers and operatives in these industries. In this connection, I am considering the observations made in the letter to which my hon. Friend refers in the last part of his Question which I regret not having answered earlier. I am also consulting with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works and Buildings in view of the new functions for which he will now be responsible.