Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received the report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the pay and conditions of limb fitters; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GunterMy right hon. Friend the First Secretary and I have received the Board's Report on the Pay and Conditions of Limb Fitters and it has been laid today (Cmnd. 3245). The Government will be studying its conclusions and suggestions. In the meantime, however, in the light of the Board's finding that the £100 increase agreed last December is not justified under any of the criteria for the severe restraint period, I am inviting the parties to discuss whether they would now be prepared to agree on a voluntary basis to the deferment of the increase until 1st July. If such agreement were forthcoming my right hon. Friend would be willing to revoke the Order made under Part IV of the Prices and Incomes Act.