§ Q12. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Prime Minister what are the subjects he proposes to discuss at his next meeting 207W with the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress.
§ The Prime MinisterNo date has yet been arranged for such a meeting, but I fully expect to continue the useful discussions which we have already had covering a wide range of economic subjects, including the possibility of new arrangements for resolving industrial disputes.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his official discussions with the representatives of the Trades Union Congress on Tuesday, 4th July, 1972.
§ The Prime MinisterWhen the General Council of the TUC called on me on 4th July, it asked for the repeal of the Industrial Relations Act. I explained that, while the Government saw no justification for repeal, we were willing, after the Act had been given a fair trial, to discuss with the unions the ways in which they believe it to be damaging to their own interests or those of the nation; and if we were convinced of the need for changes, to make them. I drew attention to the recent improvement in the standard of living throughout the community, and to the reduction of the rate of price increases; and emphasised how these were threatened by continuing inflation. The General Council undertook to consider promptly my invitation to the TUC to join the Government in an urgent examination of how best to achieve the common objectives of faster economic growth, a higher level of employment and a steady rise in real earnings without price inflation.