19 JUNE 1941, Page 3

Partners in Production

Many trade unions have been holding their annual con- ferences recently and the occasions have been chosen for frank speaking on questions of wages and profits and kindred sub- jects. For example Mr. George Hicks, a Minister, said that he was definitely of the opinion that employers should be brought under control and that profits should be controlled not only during the crisis but afterwards. Yet he stoutly defended the Cement Controller a few weeks back in the House of Commons. Mr. Charles Dukes, of the Municipal and General Workers' Union, and Mr. Tanner, of the Amalgamated Engin- eering Union, threw the blame on management for decreased production ; Mr. Bevin has echoed this statement on more than one occasion. Surely the time has come to put aside internal conflicts, and by joint committees of workers and managers take strenuous measures to increase production.