§ 89. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what discussions he has had with the Trades Union Congress since devaluation to satisfy himself that wage and price movements will be contained through the voluntary systems of vetting.
§ Mr. Shore:My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I saw the T.U.C. on 20th November to discuss the application of prices and incomes policy after devaluation. My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I will be discussing with the T.U.C. this afternoon their Review of economic prospects, and the implications for incomes of the economic outlook.
§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs under what statutory and other authority he will deal with increases in prices due to devaluation where they are greater than is justified by the increase in overall costs.
§ Mr. Frederick Lee:The Prices and Incomes Acts, 1966 and 1967, enable the Government, where necessary, to refer price increases to the National Board for 295W Prices and Incomes and to impose temporary standstills on prices. I would also refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 8th December to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell). —[Vol. 755, c. 412–3.]