HC Deb 13 December 1945 vol 417 cc610-1
61. Mr. Norman Bower

asked the Minister of Labour if he proposes to initiate discussions with the trade unions and employers' associations with a view to formulating a national wages policy in conformity with the Government's policy of industrial planning and the White Paper on employment policy; or whether wage rates will continue to be settled by collective bargaining in individual industries.

Mr. Isaacs

There is no intention of departing from the existing policy of entrusting the responsibility for wage regulation to the traditional and well-tried system of joint voluntary negotiation.

Mr. Bower

Does the answer mean that the Government exclude the wage factor entirely from the scope of economic planning?

Mr. Isaacs

I would have thought the wage factor was the most important part of these negotiations.