HC Deb 24 February 1966 vol 725 cc626-7
Q12. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Prime Minister whether there is to be a further review shortly of railwaymen's pay, as a result of his discussions with the unions on 11th February.

Mr. George Brown

I have been asked to reply.

I have nothing to add to the Answers to similar Questions given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 17th February.

Mr. Campbell

Will the First Secretary be the Minister who presides at these discussions, in view of his responsibility for policy on prices and incomes?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir. As the hon. Member and the House know, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has invited the unions and the Board in the first instance to a meeting under his chairmanship at No. 10, and clearly, therefore, he will be the chairman.

Mr. Heath

Can the First Secretary tell us why he himself did not make the same offer to the Executive of the N.U.R. which the Prime Minister made and thus obtain an earlier settlement of the dispute?

Mr. Brown

I am sorry, the right hon. Gentleman is wrong again. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already told the House, and I have said it and I repeat, that no offers were made that night that had not been made previously.