HC Deb 17 June 1959 vol 607 cc40-1W
49. Mr. Darling

asked the Minister of Labour what official requests he has received from employers or trade unions to make arrangements at shipyards for joint discussions between managements and union representatives to decide methods and allocation of work and other production questions at the commencement of building a ship.

Mr. Wood

I have not received any such requests, but I would welcome any developments which might lead to agreement between the parties concerned on a procedure for the settlement of any differences which may arise from the kind of question to which the hon. Member refers.

50. Mr. Darling

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to prevent disputes arising in shipbuilding and engineering over matters other than wages, hours and working conditions, he will ask the employers and trade unions to appoint National Joint Industrial Councils to keep production problems and other potential causes of unrest under review and try to find agreed solutions.

Mr. Wood

My right hon. Friend made a full statement about the possibility of setting up National Joint Industrial Councils in the engineering and shipbuilding industries in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Heywood and Royton (Mr. Leavey) on 21st May, 1958. I am sending the hon. Member a copy. There have been no developments since that date.