§ Sir C. Osborneasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (1) in view of the fact that wage increases for 1965 have averaged 6½ per cent., against 4½ per cent. in 1964 and the Government's norm of 3½ per cent., and are raising prices unduly, if he will take steps to prevent all wage increases not directly linked to increased production, and to prevent British goods from being priced out of world export markets and a further run on sterling; and if he will make a statement;
226W(2) if in view of the public ignorance of the extent of the financial crises, he will issue a White Paper on the subject, along the lines of the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin Commentary, pointing out the need for restraint in making excessive demands for higher money incomes, and that a nation that is already in debt cannot afford everything it wants.
§ Mr. FoleyAs my right hon. Friend said in reply to the hon. Gentleman on 3rd June, this is a policy in which management, the trade unions and the Government are jointly concerned. We must all fight to make it effective. Ministers have been taking vigorous steps, in speeches, in special publications prepared for widespread distribution, and in other ways to secure a wider understanding in all sections of society of the vital importance of these issues to the whole country. I do not think that at the present time a further White Paper would necessarily be helpful, but we are always willing to consider constructive suggestions.