§ 51. Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Labour in view of the new policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding wages in the period beginning on 1st April, why he issued his recent instructions to wages councils regarding proposals they have already made to him.
§ Mr. HareI have not issued any instructions to wages councils. I recently wrote to the chairmen of certain councils which had submitted proposals for increases ranging from 3½ per cent. to 8 per cent. I drew attention to the importance of ensuring reasonable price stability and avoiding inflation in the interests of all wage earners especially those who are less well-paid. I asked the chairmen whether on re-examination they did not think the proposals should be revised.
§ 63. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Labour for what purpose he approached the chairmen of several wages councils on the question of proposed wage increases after the councils had made their recommendations to him; and if, in future, he will permit these councils to arrive at decisions on the merits of the claims submitted to them without advice from persons who are not members of such councils.
§ Mr. HareI wrote to the chairmen of certain wages councils to draw attention to the importance of ensuring reasonable price stability and avoiding inflation in the interest af the whole community especially the less well paid. For this reason I asked them to consider whether on re-examination they did not think the proposals should be revised. I have in no way interfered with the freedom of wages councils to arrive at their decisions. The hon. Member will know that I have the power under the Wages Councils Act, 1959, to refer proposals back for reconsideration if I think fit.