§ 13. Mr. Palmerasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs in view of the prices and incomes policy of the Government, what principles are now followed by Her Majesty's Government, in consultation with the nationalised industries, regarding normal wages and salaries negotiations in front of the negotiating machinery established under the various nationalisation statutes and to which both nationalised boards and trade unions are parties.
§ Mr. George BrownIn accordance with the principles laid down in the White Paper on the "Early Warning" system (Command 2808), the nationalised industries are providing the Government with information on pay claims, the progress of negotiations, and the terms of settlements.
§ Mr. PalmerWould my right hon. Friend confirm that it is not the intention of the Government or the policy of the Prices and Incomes Board to interfere 593 with the normal day-to-day process of collective bargaining, and that the nationalised industries are in the same position as everyone else?
§ Mr. BrownThe nationalised industries are in the same position as everyone else, and all the normal processes of collective bargaining will, I hope, be in accord with the criterion laid down in the White Paper.