Detailed discussion of the character of the work which may be expected to be done by the councils and of its probable effects would be beyond the scope of this volume, and would require special knowledge of the industries concerned.  It will vary in different industries and in different places.  In some, success may be confidently expected, in others there will probably be failures.  The aim of the proposal is certainly one to be desired, and the method for attaining it promises many beneficial results.  There appear to be some dangers involved which it may be well to consider.  Useful work may be hindered owing to, first, the time and attention required for the meetings and discussions of the various councils, and the risk that clever and fluent talkers may prolong debate and generate friction and may perhaps exercise an undue influence.  Probably this will not be found a serious danger.  Experience over a considerable district shows that those who are chosen by the Trade Unions to represent them are usually clear-headed and businesslike men, who grasp a point quickly and, while carefully guarding the interests of those whom they represent, are fair-minded and ready to do all they can to promote the national interest also.  Secondly, there may be a tendency to interfere too much in questions of management, even where full and detailed knowledge of trade conditions of the moment and of possible appliances that may be used is required, and prompt action may be necessary.  A man steering a boat in a storm would hardly succeed if he had to consult a committee before moving the helm.  The object of the councils would not be to undertake the general management of the business, but should be directed to the relation of workers and management, to secure efficiency and greater production, a fair participation in and distribution of the benefits derived from success, and wholesome conditions for those engaged in the work, and to avoid dispute by agreeing action beforehand wherever possible.  Thirdly, in this as in most other cases where power is given to representatives of organised bodies, there is a risk of undue interference with the liberty of those who do not belong to them or who are in a minority.  A dead level of uniformity may be secured, experiments and new lines of action by enterprising and original minds may be interfered with.  The old problem of reconciling high organisation and corporate action with individual liberty may present itself in an acute form.

Already before the War the tendency to crush out individuality was becoming stronger and stronger, the private firms of manufacturers were being squeezed out by highly organised combines, or tempted by high prices offered to hand over their businesses to them.  In banking, similarly, the absorption and amalgamation of smaller banks has been going on with startling rapidity.  The personal relationship between the customer and the banker, who would grant loans and overdrafts because