§ 34. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take, having regard to the contents of the White Paper, Command No. 1626, Incomes Policy: the Next Step, to ensure that wage increase offers by the heads of nationalised boards, are in consonance with and commensurate to the guiding lights in the White Paper as to maximum average wage advances, notably in the context of nationalised railways and coal mines, in view of heavy losses forward in these industries at the taxpayers' expense.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe chairman and boards of the various nationalised industries are well aware of the policy set out in the White Paper. The responsibility for reflecting that policy in particular cases must rest primarily with 121W those who run the industries. But in exercising this, as other, aspects of their responsibilities the chairmen naturally work in close contact with the Ministers concerned.
Where, as in the case of the railways, a nationalised undertaking is incurring a continuing deficit, which is met from Parliamentary grants, the Government is bound to interest itself more directly than would be appropriate in other cases.
§ 38. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in order to ensure the application of Her Majesty's Government's policy on incomes and wage restraint, he will introduce legislation preventing directors from increasing their salaries during a period to be determined by him.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydNo.
§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent prices and the cost of living have risen or fallen since the introduction of the Government's wage pause policy.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe retail price index has gone up by 1.7 per cent. since July, 1961.