asked the Minister of Labour if he will initiate new studies into the effects and consequences of automation.

The future programme of work of the Manpower Research Unit will pay full regard to the effects of automation on manpower and I will also arrange to keep under review the need for further work on the effects on human relations in industry.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that both management and unions require a much better appreciation of the consequences of both the benefits and the difficulties of automation, particularly as this revolution is proceeding at a very fast pace and we want it to come as a harmonious one? Should not the survey, apart from manpower, be on a much broader basis so that we can coordinate the various reports which are coming through and publish them from time to time?

Yes, indeed. First, the unit is exploring the possibilities of manpower forecasts on the basis of the estimated trends in output and productivity, including the effects of automation. Secondly, the unit is planning to follow up its current studies of changes in the occupational structure of the metal industries and the effect of computers on office employment with new studies of the changing structure of particular industris, and on the introduction of particular new techniques. We are doing a great deal of work and, if the right hon. Member for Grantham (Mr. Godber) wants praise for it, I am glad to inherit the work which he has done.