HC Deb 22 November 1965 vol 721 cc22-3W
Mr. Longden

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, what action he has taken or is contemplating as a result of the National Board for Prices and Incomes' Report on the soaps and detergents industries.

Mr. William Rodgers

Immediately following the publication of the Report my right hon. Friend held meetings with the principal manufacturers concerned who on the day of publication had announced their general acceptance of the main recommendations of the Report. Further discussions are continuing on implementation of the recommendations.

Mr. Longden

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, what action he has taken or is contemplating as a result of the National Board for Prices and Incomes' Report on the road haulage industries.

Mr. William Rodgers

Immediately following the publication of the Report, my right hon. Friend met representatives of the industry to discuss the Board's findings. I am glad to say that the Road Haulage Association has subsequently accepted the Board's principal recommendation that the practice of recommending general increases in rates by the Association should be abandoned. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has held discussions with representatives of the unions and employers about questions relating to productivity in the industry and in particular the scope for revising running schedules. The Board's recommendations relating to terminal and handling costs are being examined by the appropriate Economic Development Committees.

Mr. Longden

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what action he has taken or is contemplating as a result of the National Board for Prices and Incomes' Report on the printing industry.

Mr. William Rodgers

My right hon. Friend met representatives of both sides of the industry on 17th September when they agreed to give urgent consideration to the recommendations contained in the Report, particularly the question of broadening the terms of reference of the Joint Manpower Committee and the appointment of an independent chairman. Since then he has made a further approach with the object of securing an early decision in this matter.

Mr. Longden

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what action he has taken or is contemplating as a result of the National Board for Prices and Incomes' Report on the bread and flour industries.

Mr. William Rodgers

Immediately following the publication of the Report my right hon. Friend arranged meetings with representatives of both sides of the baking industry to discuss the Board's findings. At a meeting on 6th September the representatives of the main bakery firms accepted that the price of the standard loaf should not be increased for the time being, subject to reexamination in three months' time. Further discussions are taking place on the various recommendations of the Report.