HC Deb 16 February 1956 vol 548 c2515
27. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Labour the result of the most recent conversations between Her Majesty's Government and the Trades Union Congress on measures for restraint in wage claims to match the Government's policy for stabilisation of prices.

Mr. Iain Macleod

When the Prime Minister met members of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress on 1st November, 1955, the economic situation was discussed, and the considerations which gave rise to the recent measures taken by the Government were explained. It is hoped to arrange further meetings both with the T.U.C. and with employers' representatives.

Mr. Johnson

I thank my right hon. Friend for that statement; but would he not agree that one of the most effective ways of checking the rise in the cost of living is by exercising restraint in regard to prices, dividends and wages, and can we hope for any greater co-operation from the trade unions than we have had hitherto?

Mr. Macleod

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor, in a recent speech, indicated four different methods of restraint, all of which would be extremely helpful in the present difficult circumstances, and one would hope to see a response from each sector.

Mr. G. Brown

When can we expect to see the Government's proposals in respect of the stabilisation of prices?

Mr. Macleod

As a matter of fact, prices have not moved unfavourably over the most recent period.