§ 65. Mr. Awberyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the agreement made by both sides of the electrical contracting industry at its joint negotiating committee was referred to the National Incomes Commission; and if Her Majesty's Government intend to refer future agreements of national joint committees to the same body and to make the committees recommending and not responsible negotiating bodies.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe purpose was to provide an independent examination of the full facts about the agreement which can show whether or not it can be reconciled with the public interest and, in particular, with plans for economic growth which depend on greater efficiency, competitive costs and growing exports. This action in no way diminishes the responsibilities of joint negotiating bodies, which are moreover themselves also free to seek the Commission's advice on considerations of the public interest before agreements are reached.