§ 10. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Labour what notifications he has received since 6th December, 1961, of increased wage awards.
§ Mr. HareNone have been notified to me, but I am aware of two important increases which have been agreed since 6th December.
§ Mr. HallIs not my right hon. Friend aware that comparatively recently increases have been given by three out of the four major oil producers? Is it not difficult for private industry to implement the Chancellor of the Exchequer's wage pause policy when the British Petroleum Co. Ltd., in which the Government have a majority holding, is not prepared to implement it?
§ Mr. HareMy hon. Friend knows that the Government, like their predecessors, do not interfere in the ordinary administration of the company as a commercial concern. I understand that the company felt that it was, in some degree, committed to an increase before the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement on the pause.
§ Mr. H. HyndCan the Minister say how many notifications of dividend increases he has had in the same period?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is a different question.