HC Deb 24 January 1956 vol 548 cc27-8
43. Mr. Moyle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new proposals he has to reduce the cost of living.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I shall continue to press forward with the policy of restraining inflation explained on numerous occasions to the House by my predecessor. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear in his recent speech at Bradford, if the measures we are now taking do not suffice, we shall not hesitate to take others. But Government action alone cannot ensure stable prices, which require restraint in the demands made on our resources by all sections of the community.

Mr. Moyle

When contemplating his new measures to reduce inflation, does the Chancellor propose to increase unemployment?

Mr. Macmillan

No, Sir.

Mr. H. Wilson

Since the country has been waiting four years for proposals from the Government to reduce the cost of living, and since the last two Budgets of his predecessor have forced up the cost of living, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he intends to introduce another supplementary Budget before the April Budget?

Mr. Macmillan

All these matters seem more suitable for debate—and no doubt will be the subject of debate—rather than for being dealt with by Parliamentary question and answer.