HC Deb 08 June 1971 vol 818 cc855-6
Q1. Mr. Barnes

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now decided to make a Ministerial broadcast on 18th June.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

I have no plans for a Ministerial broadcast, but I have accepted an invitation to be interviewed on B.B.C. radio on 18th June.

Mr. Barnes

Does not the Prime Minister think that he should make some kind of adjustment in public to the statement which he made a year ago, that his policies would have an immediate effect on moderating the wage-price spiral? Is he aware that the increase in food prices of 8.5 per cent. in 10 months, announced today, is already considerably more than in any full year under Labour?

The Prime Minister

As to the moderation of price rises, the action which we took over the nationalised industries prevented prices rising as fast—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] The Labour Party has continually objected to our stopping the nationalised industries from raising their prices as much as they wanted. S.E.T. is being halved in July.

Sir G. Nabarro

Will my right hon. Friend please find time tomorrow morning to read the OFFICIAL REPORT, including the Adjournment debate tonight, depicting the Government raising prices in matters within their own jurisdiction by 600 per cent. and up to 1,000 per cent. on marine survey charges, which is causing the most widespread dissatisfaction in our ports? Should not the Government set an example to both nationalised and private industry in moderating their own demands and being more temperate than private operators? Will the Prime Minister exercise his undoubted influence to abate this enormous increase in charges?

The Prime Minister

The subject of marine survey charges is not without interest to me. I am prepared to read my hon. Friend's speech, even before he has made it; but perhaps he will await the reply which he will receive this evening.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the Prime Minister say why, when he gave his previous reply concerning the keeping down of incomes, the Government decided that a consultant earning £202 6s. 5d. a week should get a rise of £60 11s. 11d. at a time when the Government were trying to hold down to half that amount?

The Prime Minister

In my previous reply I did not deal with incomes. I was talking about prices, because that was the Question I was asked.