§ 58. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what study he has made of the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, regarding the unfair situation regarding the Government's wages, prices and incomes policy; and whether he will make a statement in connection with this matter.
§ Mr. William RodgersWe do not accept the view that the Government are pursuing a prices and incomes policy which is unfair to wage and salary earners. The criteria for increases in prices and charges during the current standstill period were set out in Cmnd. 3073 and the Government have acquiesced in proposed increases notified to them only where they have been satisfied, after rigorous examination, that the relevant criteria have been fully met.
The criteria for prices for the period of severe restraint during the first half of 1967 are set out in Cmnd. 3150 and the Government intend to examine rigorously all proposals for price increases against these criteria.