§ Q1. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister if he will convene a conference of trade union leaders and the appro- 1492 priate Ministers to discuss the future of the Government's incomes policy.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)The prices and incomes policy now in force has been worked out with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry, and the Government are remaining in close touch with both bodies. I see no need for a special conference.
§ Mr. MartenCould the Prime Minister, as overlord of an essentially Socialist economic policy, tell the House whether he actually has evidence that the Communist Party is plotting to make a winter of disruption in this country?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour made his statement last week with my full support, and he would not have said what he did without abundant evidence to justify it.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisHas my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to a number of companies which appear to be evading the Government's restrictions and severe restraint in that they are increasing by rather large amounts dividends which are already high? If I give him one illustration, of a 65 per cent. dividend being raised to 75 per cent., will he have it investigated?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is in close touch with this, but my hon. Friend will be aware that over the period about which we have been talking the number of reductions in profits and dividends has exceeded the number of increases.