§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will promote a conference involving both sides of industry to discuss how trade unions and employers, including the small business sector, can assist in achieving Government economic objectives; and if he will consider such a conference also discussing industrial relations.
§ Mr. William RossI welcome the initiative taken last February by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) to set up a committee under the chairmanship of a distinguished trade unionist, and composed of leading representatives of both sides of industry, with a remit to discuss common problems with particular emphasis on industrial relations. I consider the on-going work of a committee of this sort, which has sprung from the good will of the parties directly concerned, is likely to prove more fruitful than a conference convened by the Government, and I shall watch their progress with interest.