HC Deb 27 July 1972 vol 841 cc2048-9
Ql. Mr. Ashton

asked the Prime Minister whether the public speech by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 12th July to the Association of Economic Representatives on economic affairs represents Government policy.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Ashton

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Minister said in that speech that the co-operation of the TUC in the fight against inflation was absolutely necessary to relieve the anxieties of the foreign speculators about the floating £? What sort of co-operation does the right hon. Gentleman expect to have after this week's events, and what results does he think his attitude will have on foreign speculators?

The Prime Minister

I expect that the CBI will continue its co-operation and that the TUC will do the same. I understand that the TUC is discussing this afternoon my request for a further meeting as soon as possible.

Mr. John Hall

Will my right hon. Friend explain who or what are "economic representatives"?

The Prime Minister

They are the economic members of the staffs of the diplomatic missions in London.

Mr. Heffer

Is it not clear that the decision of the Law Lords yesterday, which put the trade union movement right back to square one, means that the Trades Union Congress will find it difficult to have any truck with the Government on the basis of continuation of the Industrial Relations Act? Is it not time that the Government recognised that they have put industrial relations in this country in an impossible position and that they must do something about it by either immediately amending the Act or withdrawing it altogether?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.