29. Mr. Leeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give some further explanation to the National Joint Advisory Council of his views on recent wage advances.
§ Mr. MaudlingMy right hon. Friend's predecessor spoke to the N.J.A.C. last October about the Government's views on costs and prices generally and as occasion demands, my right hon. Friend will be Very ready to do the same.
Mr. LeeDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the statement by his 1300 right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer was a gross interference with the negotiating machinery of certain industries, but that he did not trouble to define the industries to which he was referring? On the National Joint Advisory Council are represented the leading people on both sides of industry, plus the nationalised industries. Unless the right hon. Gentleman defines to them his attitude to their own specific industry, they will be no wiser as a result of his intervention.
§ Mr. MaudlingI answered Questions last week on the statement made by my right hon. Friend, from which it is clear that I do not agree with the supposition contained in the hon. Member's supplementary question. My right hon. Friend is ready to have discussions with the National Joint Advisory Council on a suitable occasion.
Mr. LeeDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree that this is a suitable occasion? Already certain allegations have been made by the Chancellor against trade union leaders and employers in undefined industries. Why can he not define to the National Joint Advisory Council the Government's precise attitude on his recent statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe hon. Member is putting a wholly unjustifiable gloss on my right hon. Friend's statement.