HC Deb 17 July 1967 vol 750 cc198-9W
Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with the British Woodwork Manufacturers Association about his proposals to amend the scope of the Furniture Development Council by including part of the joinery industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Darling

With the interest of the joinery industry in mind, my Department wrote to the Association on 9th June, enclosing a copy of the draft Furniture Industry Development Council (Amendment No. 3) Order and inviting comments. This formal consultation, however, had been preceded by an informal talk in March and an exchange of correspondence, in the course of which my Department invited the Association to take part in further discussions if they so wished.

Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with trade unions in the joinery industry, the majority of whose members are employed under the terms and conditions of the National Joint Council for the Building Industry, about his proposals to amend the scope of the Furniture Development Council by including part of the joinery industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Darling

The trade unions in the joinery industry are represented, through the National Federation of Furniture Trade Unions, on the Furniture Development Council. The Council has been consulted throughout the preparation of the Furniture Industry Development Council (Amendment No. 3) Order to which my hon. Friend's Question relates. My Department also formally consulted the Amalgamated Society of Wood-workers on 9th June, and invited comments on the draft Order.