§ 23. Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the official meeting he had with the Confederation of British Industry on Tuesday, 6th April.
§ Mr. R. CarrI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 20th April.—[Vol. 815, c. 385.]
§ Mr. HamiltonWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether in his discussions with the C.B.I. reference was made to Ford's long-term agreement, and how it ties up with the 60-day pause imposed by the Industrial Relations Bill? Bearing in mind that during the passage of the Bill it was stated that stoppages would occur only after a 60-day period, will the Minister tell us that he categorically frowns on long-term agreements?
§ Mr. CarrI certainly do not frown on long-term agreements. They are a development which we should welcome, and that part of the Ford agreement I very much welcome. I believe that the actual quantum of the Ford agreement —and not only the Ford agreement—is more than this country can afford as a rate of increase in earnings. That is a view which I have stated and must continue to state. But the nature of the long-term agreement I warmly welcome.