§ 1. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the United Nations report that East European countries are expanding at a faster rate than West European countries without encountering price inflation and unemployment, he will make a study of their solutions to economic problems.
§ Mr. JenkinsThe International Herald Tribune says, does it not, that what I suggest in my Question is so? In view of the Government's adoption of Socialist policies, for example yesterday, and their conversion to State intervention and to nationalisation, as in the case of Rolls-Royce, will they not find the Common Market too addicted to old-fashioned capitalism to suit their taste? Will they now withdraw and consider an application to join Comecon?
§ Mr. BarberSuch a study would not be worth while because we already know a great deal about the policies pursued by countries in Eastern Europe, for example the policy similar to that of the last Labour Administration relying on detailed compulsory control of prices and incomes. We know also that strikes in these countries are few and far between, perhaps because the future prospect for militants tends to be somewhat uncertain.
§ Mr. TebbitIf my right hon. Friend undertakes the study, will he give some thought to economic cost-benefit studies which might be done on the influence of sending trade unionists to Siberia or using tanks to put down strikes in East Germany, and those other practices which go on under the East European regimes which are so popular with hon. Members opposite?
§ Mr. BarberWe should not take too narrow a view of this, because I understand that the trade unions in Eastern Europe perform a useful function in keeping workers informed about Government policies, and it may well be that there is something to be learned from that.