HC Deb 05 July 1956 vol 555 cc1535-6
50. Mr. Hunter

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the undertakings given by the boards of nationalised industries that they will not increase prices and charges for a certain period, if he will now issue an appeal to the private sections of industry to take similar action.

Sir E. Boyle

The attitude of the Government in their talks with both sides of industry was defined by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his reply on 19th June to my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne). My right hon. Friend does not propose to supplement this with specific appeals.

Mr. Hunter

Is the Economic Secretary aware that we can end inflation and lower the cost of living only provided the private sector of industry follows the example of nationalised industry and stabilises prices over a definite period? Will he press that on his right hon. Friend?

Sir E. Boyle

I fully recognise the sincerity of the hon. Member in these matters, but if he looks back to the Answers of the Prime Minister, I think he will find the answer to that question.

Mr. Fernyhough

Will the hon. Gentleman at least see that the Government, which own a considerable number of shares in the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, use influence with that company to stop it increasing petrol and oil prices within the next 12 months?

Sir E. Boyle

That is not the Question on the Order Paper.