§ Q5. Mr. Barnettasked the Prime Minister if the public speech by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 21st November at Llandudno on the subject of inflation represents Government policy.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. BarnettIf the national interest requires a reduction in the level of wage inflation, how does the Prime Minister reconcile his policy of non-intervention with the fact that the result may be a settlement which is not in the national interest?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have defined their policy very clearly on conciliation and its relationship to industrial disputes. I should have thought that the announcement yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment dealt very clearly with that.
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Gentleman awaits the court of inquiry which is to be held, he may very well see the explanation.
§ Mr. SandysIs my right hon. Friend aware that most people feel that he has already made a pretty good start in tackling the runaway inflation which he inherited from the previous Administration? Is he also aware that the smack of firm government is receiving general approval?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is only a matter of regret that right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite who, in their own Administration, announced that they were there to fight inflation, have now given up the battle.