§ Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to build up effective public relations within industry to mitigate the fear of employees that automation will lead to unemployment; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ThorntonOn the general question of the fear of unemployment I would emphasise that the first Report of the Manpower Research Unit of the Ministry published last year pointed out that the general effect of automation would be to help alleviate the manpower shortages produced by the relatively slower growth of the working population over the next five years. I agree, however, that it is most important that managements should take full account of the effects of automation on their employees and make appropriate plans for dealing with these. Effective communications within industry are also very important. The Industrial Relations Service of the Ministry can give advice on communications and on consultation with employees about the handling of personnel problems which may result from the introduction of automation.