SECRET
C.P. (49) 197
6th October, 1949.
Page 620
662305
Printed for the Cabinet.
October 1949
Copy No.
31
CABINET
THE ECONOMIC SITUATION: PUBLICITY TO INDUSTRY
MEMORANDUM BY THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER
At the invitation of the Production Committee, I am circulating herewith a memorandum of proposals for a publicity campaign directed towards both sides of industry.
2. When these proposals were considered by the Production Committee on 4th October (P.C. (49) 21st Meeting, Minute 1), it was not possible to reach a final decision, because of a difference of view on the value of the proposed meetings with employers. Against the proposal, it was suggested that such meetings were unlikely to produce constructive and beneficial results, and would merely provide a platform on which industrialists would be free to criticise Government policy, to the detriment of the productivity campaign. I myself, however, feel that to refrain from entering into discussions with the employers because of difficulties of this kind would be to risk the charge of having abrogated our responsibilities. Moreover, our appeal to the workers to co-operate in the measures required will be very much diminished if any grounds are given for the belief that they alone are being called upon to make special exertions and sacrifices.
3. I therefore hope that the Cabinet will approve the proposed programme and authorise me to go ahead with the arrangements.
Treasury Chambers, S.W.1,
6th October, 1949.
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