HC Deb 07 July 1966 vol 731 cc81-2W
31. Mr. Michael Heseltine

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is satisfied that the prices and incomes policy can now play an effective part in Her Majesty's Government's management of the economy, in view of the frequent departure from that policy by both sides of industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Brown

Yes. It must.

36. Mr. Park

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what steps he is now taking to secure the voluntary co-operation of the trade unions in the implementation of the Government's prices and incomes policy.

Mr. George Brown

The trade unions are co-operating in the implementation of this as well as other aspects of the Government's economic policies.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs which unions have obtained wage and/or salary increases over the 3½ per cent. norm since the incomes policy was adopted; in view of the continued opposition from the trade unions to Her Majesty's Government's prices and incomes policy, if he will abandon it; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Brown

As regards the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) on 20th June by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour. As regards the second part I would point out that the policy has thoughout been supported by the T.U.C. and the majority of trade unions in the country.