§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received concerning the establishment of the Committee of Inquiry into Industrial Democracy announced on 5th August 1975.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy right hon. Friend has received a number of letters from organisations and individuals with an interest in industrial democracy, many of them suggesting names for membership of the committee of inquiry and recording their interests in giving evidence.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade what resources, including the number of staff, have been assigned to service the Committee of Inquiry into Industrial Democracy announced on 5th August 1975.
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§ Mr. Clinton DavisA small suite of offices in London has been provisionally assigned to the committee and its secretariat. The total full-time staff of the secretariat will be four in number, at least initially. In addition my Department will make its services available to the committee as necessary.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the progress of the Committee of Inquiry into Industrial Democracy announced on 5th August 1975.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement shortly.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects the Committee of Inquiry into Industrial Democracy announced on 5th August 1975 to make its final report.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy right hon. Friend said on 5th August that the committee would be asked to present its report to the Government within 12 months.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade when the committee of inquiry into industrial democracy set up on 5th August 1975 will meet.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisAs soon as possible after its composition is announced.
§ Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress has been made since February 1974 towards industrial democracy in the State-controlled industries for which he is responsible.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisBoth British Airways and the British Airports Authority have continued to develop their established policies for giving staff representatives greater opportunities for participation in the processes leading to decision taking. As my right hon. Friend told the House in his statement of 5th August, the Government have set in hand a study of the rôle of employees in relation to decision making within the nationalised industries. The Boards of British Airways and the British Airports Authority have already let the Government have their initial views on this subject and will be consulted further in course of the study.
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§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will ensure that legislation on industrial democracy will not be introduced before the report of the committee of inquiry into industrial democracy announced on 5th August 1975.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy right hon. Friend made it clear in his statement on 5th August that the Government would be seeking the advice of the committee of inquiry before bringing forward legislation.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade what consultation he has had, and with whom, regarding the establishment of the committee of inquiry into industrial democracy announced on 5th August 1975.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisAs is customary in such matters, there have been a number of consultations, including consultations with the CBI and the TUC.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade why there has been a delay of over three months between the announcement of the committee of inquiry into industrial democracy on 5th August 1975 and the announcement of its membership and first meeting.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisIt has been necessary to consult widely to ensure the best possible membership for this important task.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will announce the members of the committee of inquiry on industrial democracy announced on 5th August 1975.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy right hon. Friend hopes to do so shortly.