§ Mr. Swainasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what directions or advice were given by the Government to the Chairman of the National Coal Board prior to the opening on negotiations on the wage claim by the National Union of Mineworkers.
§ Sir J. EdenNo constraints were imposed upon the National Coal Board. It, like other employers, is aware of the Gov-242W ernment's views on the need to reduce the level of wages settlements as part of their general policy for checking inflation.