HC Deb 24 October 1946 vol 428 cc31-2
47. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour what representations have been made by the trade unions for a new cost-of-living index calculation; how many wage and salary earners will be affected directly by any change; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

Since the end of hostilities I have received such representations from one trade union, two local branches of trade unions and four local trades councils. About 2¾ million wage and salary earners are covered by collective agreements, which provide for the adjustment of wages in correspondence with movements in the present cost-of-living index, but the question whether their wages should be related in future to an index compiled on a revised basis, would be a matter for consideration by the industries concerned. I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the fact that the present cost-of-living index is so far out of touch with realities owing to subsidies, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it wise that we should have a proper index?

Mr. Isaacs

I was just wondering whether the cost-of-living index is as far out of touch with realities as the hon. Gentleman was when he made an attack on me last Monday.

Mr. Scollan

Would the Minister tell us over what period these representations have been made, and whether he is aware that trade unions have been making representations for the past eight years against the present cost-of-living index?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, but these representations have been made in the main to the Trades Union Congress. I was asked what representations had been made to me, and that is the answer I have given.

Mr. Churchill

Are we to have a serious answer to the question about the Government's attitude towards the revision of the data on which the cost-of-living index is based?

Mr. Isaacs

That is quite another question, which I would be willing to answer, if it were put down.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the Minister's supplementary answer, might I ask him this: Was there anything which I said on Monday that was untrue?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes.

Mr. Osborne

rose—

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid we are getting a long way from the Question. What the hon. Member said on Monday has really nothing to do with the Question which is now before the House.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.