§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what plans his 408W Department has to deal with the economic situation which will arise when the ban on increases in wages, prices and dividends is ended; and whether he will publish these plans or issue a White Paper.
§ Mr. William RodgersAs indicated in the White Paper (Cmnd. 3073) the Government will be consulting the Confederation of British Industry, the Trades Union Congress and other interested parties on the criteria of severe restraint which will apply during the first six months of 1967. Thereafter, it will be the aim of the Government in co-operation with all concerned to ensure that the growth of incomes is resumed in a manner consistent with the growth of national output.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether, for the period of the wages, prices and dividend standstill, he will publish an official index figure giving the monthly rise and/or fall in wages, prices and dividends since 20th July, 1966, and giving the details of where these changes have taken place, and for what reasons.
§ Mr. William RodgersNo. Sufficient information on the movement of wages, prices and dividends will be available from published sources.