§ Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the doubts which have arisen in the minds of work-people, whose wages and conditions are governed by Whitley Councils and other conciliatory machinery, arising out of the action of the Government in regard to the decisions of these bodies during the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the powers and functions of these councils in order to remove any misunderstanding.
§ Mr. Hare:The powers and functions of Whitley Councils and similiar bodies are set out in their constitutions. They vary according to the circumstances of each case and the wishes of the parties concerned. In addition to the discussion of remuneration and other conditions of employment, their constitutions frequently provide for consideration of a variety of other subjects such as machinery for settling disputes, recruitment and training, further education and the promotion of greater working efficiency. No action has been taken by the Government in any way inconsistent with the exercise by these bodies of the functions provided in the constitutions by which they are governed.