HC Deb 18 February 1957 vol 565 cc33-4W
Captain Kerby

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the full male staff of the British Productivity Council; how many have signified their intention of resigning; and what percentage this represents of the Council's staff.

Sir D. Eccles

I do not require the Council to furnish me with details of all their staff or to inform me of resignations. I understand however that the Council at present employs 27 male staff.

Captain Kerby

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in anticipation of the need to face stronger competition in the domestic and European markets, and to equip British industry for the forthcoming struggle, he will reverse the grants made to European Productivity Agency and the British Productivity Council by increasing the latter's annual grant to £150,000 and decreasing the former's to £10,000 for the next three years.

Sir D. Eccles

No. In fact, the grant to the British Productivity Council is £110,000 a year.

Captain Kerby

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many members of the staff of the British Porductivity Council are allocated to the problem of productivity in the wholesale and retail trades; and to what extent the Council has sent teams to the continent of Europe to study and report on foreign methods of distribution.

Sir D. Eccles

I do not require the Council to keep me informed on either of these matters, but I understand that the Council does not at present allocate staff to work in connection with particular trades or industries and has not sent teams to Europe to study distribution methods.

Captain Kerby

asked the President of the Board of Trade i,f in view of the value of films on work study and kindred subjects sponsored by the British Productivity Council, he will encourage the Council to step up its educational film output for the enlightenment of executives, managers and operatives; and if he will augment the Council's grant for this purpose.

Sir D. Eccles

No. The Council has made twelve films, has six in preparation and five under consideration.