asked the Prime Minister whether, in the interests of peaceful co-operation in industry, he will take steps to invite representatives of the employers and the employed to meet in a joint industrial conference with a view to arriving at an agreed basis for the establishment of a permanent industrial parliament?

The House knows the value of the work done by the Industrial Councils set up as the result of the Committee presided over by you, Mr. Speaker, but I am inclined to think that the object desired by my Noble Friend could not be attained by the action of the Government and could only succeed if it were undertaken on the joint initiative of employers and workmen.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at all events make inquiry from representatives of the employers and employed as to whether such action by the Government would, not be welcome?

I have spoken to the parties concerned, and the opinion seems to be that at present nothing could usefully be done. I shall, however, make further inquiry.