HC Deb 26 March 1968 vol 761 cc232-3W
40 and 46. Mr. Longden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what guidance he has given, in the light of the Government's policy on prices and incomes, to local housing authorities regarding the offering of additional payments to attract labour to their direct building departments;

(2) whether the practice of local authorities in offering additional payments to attract labour to their direct building departments is in accordance with the Government's policy on prices and incomes

Mr. Skeffington

Last June, local authorities were advised that pay increases to attract labour can be justified only where they have to be made to prevent the break-down of an essential service. I have no evidence that authorities are disregarding that advice, but if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, perhaps he will send me the details.