§ 8. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour to what extent the industrial disputes during the last 12 months have been due to the refusal by employers to agree to claims for wages to meet the increased cost of living.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI regret that this information is not available.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware that the trade unions are very concerned at the continued rise in the cost of living, which will increase again once the effects of the Government's announcement are fully felt? Is he further aware that the employers have issued a statement to the effect that they must harden their replies when negotiating with trade unions, and will he give an assurance that the Ministry of Labour will not in any way support the employers in their attitude?
§ Mr. MacleodAll that is very interesting, but it has very little to do with the Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. G. BrownWhat has to do with the Question is this. Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind how much these industrial disputes owe to the economic and financial policies of the Government?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley - DavenportHas not the cost of living risen less in the last three years than it did in the last year under the knuckleheads opposite?