HC Deb 27 April 1948 vol 450 cc207-8
47. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any statement to make on his latest talks with the T.U.C. Crisis Committee on wage freezing and profit limitation.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Douglas Jay)

No, Sir. My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently held one of his periodical meetings with representatives of the Trades Union Congress.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister aware that that answer is quite unacceptable? Is he aware that is was not a periodical conference, but a special conference last Thursday? Was the Chancellor able to convince the minority of the T.U.C. that the present crisis is a real one? Did the Chancellor come back with the assurance that the extra 10 per cent, production which he requires will be forthcoming?

Mr. Jay

This was one of my right hon. and learned Friend's normal discussions with the Trades Union Congress, and it passed off in the normal way.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Will the Minister assist by giving advice to the Secretary of State for Scotland that it would be a splendid lead to the T.U.C. if the Government set an example by freezing the income of the Lord High Commissioner for the Church of Scotland?

Mr. Gallacher

Would the Minister be good enough to advise the Chancellor of the Exchequer that he would convince a minority on the General Council if he made a real big, slashing cut in profits and prices?