HC Deb 31 March 1969 vol 781 cc7-8
5. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what action she proposes to take on the Report by the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the pay of senior executives.

Mrs. Castle

I shall be making a statement about the Report later this week.

Mr. Biffen

In the meantime, without anticipating that statement, could the right hon. Lady indicate whether, broadly speaking, she accepts the recommendations of paragraph 94 and whether she also fully accepts the statement in paragraph 98 that this Report and the execution of it will have quite considerable significance outside the scope of the immediate investigation?

Mrs. Castle

I have seldom heard an hon. Gentleman contradict himself so completely in his own question. He must realise that it is impossible for me to state what my position is without anticipating my statement.

Mr. Winnick

Would my right hon. Friend accept that for many of us the greater priority is with the large number of workers on very low wages? Is she aware that there is hardly any support at all in the Labour movement for the recommended increases for the Chairmen?

Mrs. Castle

I have heard various views expressed, by my hon. Friends in this House and by people outside. Clearly these are all being taken into consideration.

Mr. John Page

Will the right hon. Lady give us an assurance that she will not make the statement which she has promised on Thursday, which is a day devoted mainly to general debate, but on Wednesday, when more of the House is present?

Mrs. Castle

I cannot give any assurance on the exact time of the statement. Apart from anything else, consultations on the Report are still going on. I cannot say when they will be completed. The business of the House is also a matter for others than myself.