Oral Answers to Questions — Industrial Production – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 February 1947.
Mr William Shepherd
, Bucklow
12:00,
25 February 1947
asked the Prime Minister if he will hold a public inquiry into restrictive practices, both in respect of labour and of trade.
Mr Clement Attlee
, Stepney Limehouse
No, Sir. As regards labour, I think these matters are best dealt with by negotiation between the employers and the trade unions. As regards trade, my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council informed the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 30th July last that the 'Government intend to introduce legislation on restrictive practices when time permits, generally on the lines foreshadowed in the white paper on Employment Policy. Power will be sought to inquire into the extent and effect of par- ticular arrangements and to take appropriate action to check those shown to he contrary to the interests of the nation.
Mr William Shepherd
, Bucklow
Am I to understand that the Prime Minister regards the obtaining of this vital information as of less immediate importance than the head-hunting Press Commission to which he has given sanction?
Mr Clement Attlee
, Stepney Limehouse
No, Sir. It is a different method, that is all.
A document issued by the Government laying out its policy, or proposed policy, on a topic of current concern.Although a white paper may occasion consultation as to the details of new legislation, it does signify a clear intention on the part of a government to pass new law. This is a contrast with green papers, which are issued less frequently, are more open-ended and may merely propose a strategy to be implemented in the details of other legislation.
More from wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_paper
