HC Deb 06 July 1967 vol 749 c1970
10. Mr. Ridley

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what action he has taken in order to implement the Report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the printing industry.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Officials of the Ministry of Labour and of my own Department are in close touch with the industry regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the N.B.P.I. Report. Some of these recommendations have been implemented and others are under discussion within the industry.

Mr. Ridley

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which of these recommendations have been implemented? Does he agree that as this is probably an industry more riddled with restrictive practices and bad habits than any, it is vital that these Reports should have some follow-up, for otherwise the Reports of the Prices and Incomes Board will be taken into disrepute?

Mr. Lee

I assure the hon. Gentleman that a follow-up is taking place. The answer to his specific question is that the recommendations implemented are those relating generally to the composition and functions of the industry's Joint Manpower Committee and the review of wage escalation clauses. Progress has also been made by the unions in examining the question of amalgamation.