§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what action she proposes to take to ensure the implementation of the report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes in respect of exhibition industry wages; and by what means she will verify that her requirements are being observed.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerA meeting with the employers was held last Monday to discuss the report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes, and we are trying to arrange early meetings with the unions and with the two national joint councils in the industry.
In the meantime, in accordance with the statutory procedure, my right hon. Friend published on Friday 27th June a notice of intent to extend the standstill on the agreement reached by the National Joint Council for the Exhibition Industry 45W on 7th February, 1969, and the parties now have until 12th July to make representations about this proposal. It does not, of course, prevent the two sides from negotiating a new agreement within incomes policy, and the help of my Department's Manpower and Productivity Service is available to the parties if they so wish.