§ 35. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in his forthcoming Budget he will make proposals to the Trades Union Congress General Council requesting the Council's acceptance of a policy of wage restraint for the next financial year on a declared undertaking by the Government that they will guarantee not to take any action which will raise the cost of living; and further, whether he will take such action as will ensure a reduction in the cost of living during the financial year 1957–58.
§ Mr. BirchNo doubt the hon. Member will listen to my right hon. Friend's speech today with attention.
§ Mr. LewisIf previous Budgets are anything to go on, the ideas and suggestions contained in the Question will not be followed. Can the right hon. Gentleman give a "Yes" or a "No" to the last part of the Question? Will the Government at long last take some positive action to implement their promise, made in 1951 and each year up to the present, to reduce the cost of living?