HC Deb 26 July 1966 vol 732 cc227-8W
62 and 63. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he will make a further statement about the consultations in which Her Majesty's Government is currently engaged with a view to increasing productivity and eliminating overmanning and restrictive practices in the shipbuilding and printing industries, in the docks and in rail transport; when in each case these discussions began; and by whom the industries in question were represented;

(2) with what industries, other than shipbuilding, printing, the docks and rail transport, Her Majesty's Government are engaged in discussions with a view to increasing productivity and eliminating restrictive practices and overmanning; and what progress has been made.

Mr. Gunter

The Government have taken the following initiatives to increase productivity and encourage more efficient use of labour; in shipbuilding, the appointment in February 1965 of the Shipbuilding Committee of Inquiry, whose report published in March this year, has been under discussion with the two sides of the industry; in printing, the reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes in May, 1965 and the appointment of the Court of Inquiry under Lord Cameron in May this year; in the docks, the appointment of the Inquiry under Lord Devlin in October 1964 and subsequent action, including the Docks and Harbours Bill, which has been taken in close consultation with the unions, employers and other interested organisations in the industry; in rail transport, the reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes in October, 1965 and the series of meetings, of which the first was called by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in March this year, with the British Railways Board and the railway unions to discuss efficiency, pay and grading structure and negotiating machinery. Initiatives have also been taken in the motor car and shipping industries. More efficient use of manpower is also receiving attention by the National Economic Development Council and a number of Economic Development Committees.