§ 60. Mr. Osborneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what major changes of policy with regard to food and clothing subsidies will result from the abandonment of the old cost-of-living index; and if he will give some guidance to workers arid employers representatives with regard to wage rate changes.
§ Mr. DaltonMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour proposes to discuss the arrangements connected with the introduction of a new index with his Joint Consultative Committee representing both sides of industry. The question of future subsidy policy is a separate question which I hope to discuss in my Budget Statement.
§ Mr. OsborneMay I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, when the change in the cost-of-living index takes place, he intends to reduce subsidies on food and clothing?
§ Mr. DaltonThe second half of the last sentence of my reply gives the answer to that question.
§ Mr. OsborneIt means nothing.