§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will make a further statement of his proposals for worker participation in industry; and if it is his intention that the same form of participation should be introduced in the private and public sectors of industry;
(2)what organisations he is consulting on the question of worker participation in industry; and what research studies he has commissioned on this matter;
(3)if he will take steps to establish a procedure whereby members of the public with opinions on the question of worker participation in industry can submit their proposals in such a way that their views will be considered by those in his Department concerned with formulating proposals;
(4)if he will examine and make a statement on the benefits and problems which have arisen from the introduction of worker participation in those nationalised industries where it applies, in particular in relation to the appointment of worker directors.
§ Mr. BoothThe Government are considering how to carry out their commitment to a far-reaching extension of industrial democracy in both the private and the public sectors. There will be extensive consultation with all interested parties, and any proposals submitted to me will be carefully considered. Full account will be taken of existing experience and of the results of past and current research. Subject to initial establishment of basic co-determination rights our aim will be to develop a flexible scheme suited to the varying needs of different sectors of British industry and the employees who work in it.