§ 53. Sir W. Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of the Government with regard to cost-of-living subsidies; and what is the ceiling limit.
§ Mr. JayThe policy of the Government is to stabilise the cost of living at what is considered the appropriate level from time to time.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs not that answer further evidence of the dictatorial control of this Government? Will the Government reduce the subsidies by stages so that the realities of the economic situation and the fact that we cannot go on for ever living on borrowed money may be brought home to the people?
§ Mr. JayNo, Sir. We think that any sweeping reduction of these subsidies in the present circumstances would be a breach of faith with the small saver as well as the wage earner and the old age pensioner.
§ Sir W. SmithersOn a point of Order. I have been misrepresented. I did not say "sweeping." I asked for the -subsidies to be reduced by stages. Will the hon. Gentleman withdraw that statement? The hon. Gentleman does not reply. He has got no decency in him.