§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what action he has taken in the light of his decision to withdraw Orders under Part IV of the Prices and Incomes Act, 1966, which purported to interfere with wages agreements made before 20th July, 1966, to draw the attention of employers to the parallel withdrawal of the advice which he previously gave to employers to break such agreements.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeMy right hon. Friend's advice on the contrary is to ask all concerned to maintain the benefits of the standstill and to avoid making retrospective pay increases. As the right hon. Member will be aware, Section 5 of the Prices and Incomes Act, 1967, gives legal protection to employers who have withheld pay increases in accordance with the requirements of the standstill and period of severe restraint.