§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent the 10 per cent. guidelines on wages initiated by the Government is to offset the expected rise in food and other prices in January 1978 as a result of the ending of the transitional period of Great Britain's entry into the EEC.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI have been asked to reply.
The 10 per cent. guideline was not devised on the basis of offsetting particular price rises. My right hon. Friend has made it clear that the measures announced on 15th July and 26th October, coupled with moderate settlements within the Government's guidelines, should enable living standards to be not only maintained but improved.