asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to examine and report on the social consequences of automation and allied technological advances.

Not at the present time. My Department maintains constant liaison with industry and with other Departments having responsibilities in the social and employment fields; if at some time in the future there were indications from these sources of severe adverse social changes resulting from such advances, further consideration would be given to the possibility of an inquiry in depth.