40. Mr. Bowerasked the Prime Minister whether he will now consider instituting a wage policy which will be governed solely by the interests of the State, will prevent further rises in the cost of production, and will ensure that those engaged in civil occupations shall not be any better off economically than they would be if they were serving in equivalent positions in the Armed Forces of the Crown?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)The Government wage policy was adopted after consultation, and in agreement, with the representatives both of employers' organisations and trade unions. The results hitherto have been more satisfactory than those likely to have been obtained under any more direct system of Government control, and it is not pro posed therefore to depart from the present policy.
§ Mr. LoftusWill the Lord Privy Seal study the legislation passed in Canada to control both wages and prices?
§ Mr. AttleeYes, Sir.