§ 32. Mr. Tapsellasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether it is still Her Majesty's Government's policy to restrict rises in incomes and wages within the limits of the rise in production.
§ Mr. George BrownHer Majesty's Government are determined to ensure that the rise in incomes is related to the growth of real national output, in order that there shall be a real rise in living standards.
§ Mr. TapsellWhile we are on the topic of undertakings, will the First Secretary of State explain why it is that when in opposition his emphasis was all on expansion of production and is now all on restriction of incomes?
§ Mr. BrownFor the fourth time, perhaps, I may repeat the answer to the same foolish question—[Hon. Members: "Oh."]—I am not, and the Government are not, trying to restrict the rise in incomes. We are trying to ensure, and we are entitled to more help than we are getting from the other side—[Interruption.]—let hon. Gentlemen speak for themselves. We are trying to ensure, and we are entitled to more help than we are getting from the Conservative Party, that the rise in incomes is related to the rise in productivity.
§ Mr. RidsdaleAs the right hon. Gentleman has given no clear answers to any of our Questions this afternoon, can he say when his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is to introduce another Budget?
§ Mr. HoggWould the right hon. Gentleman accept that he would be more persuasive in his attempts to get help if he were less consistently offensive and frivolous?