§ 21. Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that miners, dockers, dustmen, barristers and solicitors are observing the Government's anti-inflation policy entailing a maximum £6 a week increase where incomes are below £8,500 and no increase above that figure.
§ Mr. BoothYes. The information about major settlements available to me indicates that employees generally are observing the measures contained in the anti-inflation policy. To date some 4 million employees have reached settlements within the policy.
§ 36. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the progress of current discussions with the TUC and CBI on the new incomes policy to come into force on 1st August; what plans he has for allowing the House of Commons to participate in these discussions at a formative stage; and whether he envisages the need for any new legislation in this field, including amendment of the Remuneration, Charges and Grants Act.
§ Mr. BoothI refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Stonehouse) on 20th January—[Vol. 903, c. 1123–4.] The Government will bring proposals before the House at an appropriate time. Since no decisions have yet been taken about pay policy for the period after 31st July 1976 it is not possible to say whether or not new legislation may be needed.