§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Labour how many cases have been brought to his attention where, in negotiations between representatives of employers and trade unions, the employers refused to make allowance for the effect of the Purchase Tax when considering the need for increased wages owing to the increased cost of living; and what is the view of the Ministry in the matter?
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe information desired by my hon. Friend is not in my possession and could only be supplied by the organisations concerned. Many fac- 187W tors enter into wage negotiations and it would not be proper for this Ministry to express any general views on any one of them independently of the particular circumstances.