HC Deb 28 July 1966 vol 732 cc321-2W
66. Sir C. Osborne

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs by how much he estimates the cost of living will rise in the next 12 months, while his wage freeze and restraint policy applies; what steps he has taken to ensure that this policy has the support of the trades unions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Albu

The Answer to the first part of the Question is that it is not possible to give an estimate of the movement of the cost of living covering the next 12 months. The Government have called for a standstill on prices and incomes and have emphasised the need for any increases in costs to be offset in whole or in part by increased efficiency.

In regard to the remaining parts of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 26th July.

67. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if the standstill on prices includes mortgage interest rates charged by the building societies.

Mr. Albu

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Renfrew, East (Miss Harvie Anderson) on Tuesday, 26th July, 1966.

Mr. Corfield

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the Government's new economic measures, what are the proposals of Her Majesty's Government regarding the operative date for the implementation of the recent agreement to increase the remuneration of general practitioners.

Mr. George Brown

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to an Oral Question by the hon. Member for Renfrew, East (Miss Harvie Anderson) on Tuesday, 26th July, 1966.

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will implement the undertaking given last year that the employees of British Railways will have a 3 per cent. increase in September, 1966.

Mr. Albu

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Renfrew, East (Miss Harvie Anderson) on Tuesday, 26th July, 1966.