§ Q4. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the progress of his discussions with representatives of the Confederation of British Industry concerning the future of the price restraint scheme.
§ The Prime MinisterWhen I met representatives of the CBI on 8th May they indicated a widespread willingness among their members to continue price restraint provided that there was a good prospect of trade union response. I believe that, after carrying through and policing a policy of price restraint for over nine months, the CBI is entitled to expect some response from the unions.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Can he shed any light on the reports this morning suggesting that the establishment of new conciliation machinery is regarded as the quid pro quo for the renewal of this scheme? If this is so, in view of the solid contribution that conciliators and arbitrators, from the industrial disputes tribunal right down to Lord Wilberforce, have made to the progress of inflation, would not this be a high price to pay, particularly for the renewal of a scheme which has created a fair amount of chaos in the finances of nationalised industries?
§ The Prime MinisterI know of no arrangement such as my hon. Friend suggests. Regarding the price restraint policy of the CBI, as I have told the House we have discussed with the TUC and the CBI the question of the future development of conciliation machinery. In this respect I have made it clear, both publicly and privately, that the basic interests of the consumer must be represented, and both the CBI and the TUC recognise this.