Cost of Living

HC Deb 16 June 1955 vol 542 cc745-6

29. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish, as a White Paper, his plan for reducing the cost of living.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sir Edward Boyle)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to the hon. Member for the Itchen division of Southampton (Dr. King) on 14th June.

Mr. Lewis

Yes, Sir, but I do not believe the answer—[HON. MEMBERS: "Nor do we."]—which the Minister gave had any reference to the suggestion of a White Paper dealing with the Government's plan. For three years the Government have been promising to do this but we have not seen any of the effects of it yet. Perhaps it is because the Government have not got a plan, and, therefore, cannot issue a White Paper.

Sir E. Boyle

My right hon. Friend said the day before yesterday that positive reductions in the cost of living must come from reductions in costs and from increases in productivity. One does not need a White Paper to make that point clear.