HC Deb 19 February 1970 vol 796 cc580-1
42. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many references, relating to wage settlements and to price increases, respectively, have been made to the National Board for Prices and Incomes since 12th January 1970.

Mr. Harold Walker

Two and one respectively; and one relating both to a wage settlement and to a price increase.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

The hon. Gentleman may recall that on that date the Prime Minister, in a "Panorama" broadcast, said that the Government were considering sending a whole series of way settlements to this grotesque board. What has happened to all these settlements? Why have not they been referred?

Mr. Walker

I am not sure that industry would share the hon. Gentleman's views about the board being grotesque. My right hon. Friend is at the moment engaged in consultation with the T.U.U. and the C.B.I. about appropriate references to identify and do something about areas of low payment in the economy.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Will the hon. Gentleman explain why it was necessary to make this such a big issue of confidence towards the end of last year, since his right hon. Friend is apparently now turning a blind eye to many large wage increases, some as high as 18 per cent.? Will he confirm that she has now been given the green light to go ahead on these?

Mr. Walker

I hope the hon. Gentleman's statement reflects the concern of the Opposition that incomes should be kept in line with growth of output.

Mr. Brooks

Is my hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members on this side of the House are concerned about precisely what is happening? Is it the intention to send the present claim for increases in the motor industry to the National Board for Prices and Incomes?

Mr. Walker

I cannot comment on the particular case to which my hon. Friend refers. On the general point, he will have read the Government's White Paper on the subject.