HC Deb 22 February 1965 vol 707 cc8-9
8. Mr. Mitchell

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to see that agreements for wage increases are related to increases in productivity in those, cases in which he or his Department play a part in settling disputes.

Mr. Gunter

The Government, representatives of employers' organisations and the Trades Union Congress have signed a Joint Statement of Intent on Productivity, Prices and Incomes and have agreed on Machinery for Prices and Incomes Policy. Discussions are now proceeding on the next stages of the prices and incomes policy. I shall carry out my responsibilities in accordance with the policy agreed between the Government and the other parties.

Mr. Mitchell

Is not the Minister able to go rather further than that, in view of the statement of intent which said that there would be urgent and vigorous action to raise productivity throughout industry and commerce? We expected more from the Minister at this stage.

Mr. Gunter

I am not sure of the relevance of that question, because we have not yet completed our discussions on prices and incomes policy.