§ 39. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a public appeal to firms and companies who followed the lead of the Government when they reduced the pay of civil servants, the police, and the fighting services, etc., to again follow the lead of the Government and restore the cuts which they made in the wages of their employés, and so help to improve the purchasing power of the people?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe reductions which have been made in salaries and wages in 1099 industry in 1931 and subsequently were necessitated by the differing requirements of individual industries. I have no doubt that those responsible for the regulation of salaries and wages in each industry are fully aware of the restoration which the Government has made in respect of the reductions in the remuneration of State servants and other classes and of the circumstances in which that restoration has been rendered possible. Whether similar circumstances apply in any particular industry is a matter for those responsible for that industry to consider and, as circumstances vary very widely between one industry and another, I do not think a public appeal by the 'Government would be appropriate.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI should like to ask the Lord President of the Council whether, as there are so many firms now doing Government work, it is not in the interest of all concerned that the Government should use its influence with these firms to see that the cuts are restored; that they should follow the economy policy of the Government and give back what was taken off?
§ Mr. BALDWINI do not think that I can add anything to the reply.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many parts of the country a considerable number of firms have already restored the cuts?