§ 19. Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what aspects of prices and consumer affairs have featured in her recent discussions with the TUC.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI have discussed with the TUC those aspects covered in its statement "The Development of the Social Contract", which was adopted by the TUC General Council on 9th July.
§ Mr. TownsendDid the Secretary of State make it clear to the TUC that it would be highly dangerous to increase Government expenditure at this time? Did she also point out that to do so would work against the TUC's approach to the problem of controlling excessive wage demands?
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe hon. Gentleman will recognise, if he has read the TUC document, that it concerns itself largely with pay and prices questions and does not touch on what has always been regarded as a major Government concern, namely, public expenditure—which is not normally widely discussed with other bodies.