§ 67. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will make a statement on his recent meetings with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry, regarding the prices and incomes policy and the draft White Paper; to what extent he has changed the White Paper in the light of these discussions; and whether the 158W assurance which he has given to these organisations that he will consult them before preparing Government policy will also extend to consultations with the House before such preparations.
§ Mr. M. StewartI have not yet completed consultations with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry regarding the criteria for the period of severe restraint. The object of consultation is to secure mutual understanding of the problems involved and the best means of overcoming them. I intend shortly to publish a White Paper.