HC Deb 04 December 1979 vol 975 c120W
67. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy towards the current round of pay bargaining.

Mr. Jim Lester

The Government's policy is that employers and employees should be free to negotiate pay settlements appropriate to their particular circumstances. The Government are, however, determined to master inflation by the resolute pursuit of firm monetary and fiscal policies. Excessive pay settlements will have demaging effects on competitiveness and employment.