HC Deb 22 January 1970 vol 794 cc670-1
8. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what assistance she is giving to the Council of Fiji in establishing a prices and incomes board in that territory; and whether it is her policy to encourage the development of prices and incomes boards in other territories receiving assistance from her Department.

Mr. Whitaker

My Ministry has been asked by the Government of Fiji to assist them by providing an adviser and consultant on the establishment of a prices and incomes board. We have agreed to help. It is for overseas governments to decide for themselves what policy, if any, they wish to adopt with regard to prices and incomes matters; if they wish for assistance from Her Majesty's Government in this field, my Department is glad to try to provide it.

Mr. Taylor

Since the policy of the National Board for Prices and Incomes of this country has been accompanied by record price rises and uncontrolled wage demands, is it prudent to foist such absurd folly on the people of Fiji? Is this a Machiavellian plot to redeploy Mr. Aubrey Jones more purposefully? Is there any truth in the rumour that the Government are planning a land commission for Malta and a little "Neddy" for Anguilla?

Mr. Whitaker

Fiji is internally self-governing in labour maters. It is for that Government to determine their policy. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to apply after the next election, I can assure him that his application will be given impartial consideration.

Mr. Peyton

What have the unhappy people of Fiji done to deserve this wretched decision? If it is really the desire of the hon. Gentleman's Department wholly to alienate one of the last loyal members of the Commonwealth, why does he not persuade one of his colleagues to apply for the post?

Mr. Whitaker

The hon. Gentleman should recognise that this is the desire of the Fiji Government. Therefore, the hon. Gentleman's only course is to emigrate and put his question to the Fiji Government.

Mr. Higgins

Before any action is taken on this proposal, will the hon. Gentleman ensure that the Government of Fiji are made aware of the study undertaken at Essex University which suggests that the prices and incomes policy is counter-productive and has tended to increase rather than decrease inflationary pressures?

Mr. Whitaker

I cannot answer for the Fiji Government, but I am confident that they are aware of all the relevant considerations.