§ Q3. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister when he proposes to follow up his last meeting with the trade union leaders about prices and incomes policy with another meeting.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no present plans myself for a further meeting, although, of course, my right hon. Friends will be in close touch with the Trades Union Congress.
§ Mr. MartenAs the Prime Minister took the lead in this question of the Part II prices and incomes matter, will he, when the inevitable clash with Mr. Cousins comes along, remain in the lead with the trade unions?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not sure what the hon. Member means by that form of words. The position is that over that period my right hon. Friends who were responsible for these matters were in consultation with the Trades Union Congress. It was thought desirable that on the eve of a very important meeting with the Trades Union Executive—which I regarded as of historic importance—I should meet the Economic 1372 Committee of the T.U.C. If it is considered appropriate I shall meet the Committee again, but I think that the right procedure now is for my right hon. Friends to meet it.