HC Deb 26 January 1956 vol 548 c348
20. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consult the Federation of British Industries, the National Union of Manufacturers and other representatives of trade and industry as to the possibility of extending the scheme initiated by the cement industry for fixing maximum prices for a definite period.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I do not think consultations such as my hon. Friend suggests are necessary, but I will bear the point in mind in my contacts with representatives of trade and industry. While the circumstances of individual industries vary widely, industrialists are well aware of the importance which the Government attaches to their efforts to keep costs and prices down.

Mr. Johnson

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that this very commendable example might well be followed by trade unions in their demand for higher wages?

Lieut-Colonel Upton

Will not the President of the Board of Trade also consult the Government-owned British Petroleum Company and ask them to give some kind of undertaking not to increase prices, say for the next twelve months?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.