HC Deb 03 July 1956 vol 555 cc1157-8
54. Mr. Lee

asked the President of the Board of Trade which industries, other than the nationalised industries, have informed the Government of their intention not to increase their prices.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Four trade associations had, at the end of June, informed the Government of their members' intention not to increase their prices for certain periods.

Mr. Lee

But is the Minister aware that the whole of the effort to try to keep the nationalised industries from increasing their prices stemmed from an attack made upon them by the Federation of British Industries and the British Employers' Confederation, and that unless the Government can now get an assurance from a wide number of heavy industries, it will be obvious that the Government are victimising the nationalised industries whilst permitting those in private industry to use this standstill to increase their profits?

Mr. Walker-Smith

The hon. Gentleman's Question was a factual one, as to which industries other than the nationalised industries had taken this step. I have informed him in regard to the associations. In addition to them, certain individual firms have notified their intention—[HON. MEMBERS: "Which?"]—and in any event there is no obligation on any firm which is going to stabilise its prices to notify the Government about it.

Mr. Lee

Can I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman to give the House the name of one private industry which has agreed to stabilise its prices?

Mr. Walker-Smith

There are four associations. There is the Cement Makers' Federation, the Metal Windows Association, The English Joinery Manufacturers Association, and the Glass Manufacturers' Federation. As the House knows, the Cement Makers' Federation has made a new stabilisation proposal to last until June next year.