§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to increase staff participation in the energy industries; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. BermThe energy nationalised industries have well developed systems of consultation between management and unions. I am encouraging the greater involvement of the unions in the forward planning of the individual industries and the formulation of policies for the energy sector. Planning agreements will be con. eluded with the coal, gas and electricity supply industries. I chair tripartite meetings of Government, NCB management and unions. Special meetings have been held between NCB and CEGB unions and management to discuss the fuelling of power stations. Unions played a large part in the Energy Conference held on 22nd June, and as a follow-up to the conference I am considering the establishment of an energy policy consultative body.
In addition the Government have set in hand studies of the role of employees in decision making in the nationalised industries and public services with the intention that these studies should be completed in time for the Government to take an overall view of the private and public sectors when the Bullock Committee 274W reports on employee representation at board level in the private sector.