§ Q3. Mr. Duffyasked the Prime Minister when he next intends to have talks with the TUC and CBI about prices and incomes policy.
§ Q6. Mr. Molloyasked the Prime Minister when he next expects to meet the TUC and CBI.
§ The Prime MinisterI shall be meeting the TUC tomorrow and the CBI on Thursday, Sir.
§ Mr. DuffyWill my right hon. Friend remind the TUC leaders tomorrow that the Government are fulfilling their election pledges with unprecedented speed and are thus delivering their half of the social contract? Will he make clear that he will now be looking to the TUC leaders for an appropriate response?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the TUC as well as anyone else in the country will have recognised the facts stated by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. TapsellHas the Prime Minister yet had time to form a judgment about the amount by which, first, prices and, secondly, incomes will rise in the current year?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that I should anticipate any matters on this question which may arise in the course of my right hon. Friend's Budget speech.
§ Mr. MolloyIs my right hon. Friend aware that sane and sensible industrial relations are vital to the future of our nation? Stupid industrial relations as brought about by the former Prime 273 Minister and his right hon. Friends soured British industrial relations to an extent never before experienced. Will my right hon. Friend therefore agree that there should be constant liaison and constant discussion with the CBI and the TUC to maintain the excellent start with which the Government have proceeded with both sides of industry?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is a criticism of the right hon. Member for Sidcup (Mr. Heath) when he was Prime Minister that he failed to spend a great deal of time with the CBI and the TUC. He saw both when trying to work out a voluntary policy and subsequently. But it must be the duty of any Government of this country at this time to try to get a more united and consensus approach to industrial matters.
§ Mr. CormackDoes the Prime Minister intend to proceed to the repeal of the Counter-Inflation Act after or before repealing the Industrial Relations Act?
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment said on these matters last Monday.