Q13. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of his discussions with representatives of the Trades Union Congress.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today in answer to a Question from the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton).
§ Q15. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Prime Minister what decisions he has come to regarding the representation of the interests of the consumer on the pro- 374W posed conciliation/arbitration body to be nominated by the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress.
§ The Prime MinisterThe CBI and the TUC have stated that their agency would operate with due regard for the interests of others. I welcome that intention. Whether more specific representation of the interests of the consumer is needed will depend on the extent to which the CBI/TUC machinery is successful in bringing about conciliation without at the same time bringing about inflation.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Prime Minister what proposals has he put to the Trades Union Congress and Confederation of British Industry regarding price control; and what response he has received.
§ The Prime MinisterNone; but the talks between the Government, the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry are concerned with a wide range of economic issues including the working out of sensible arrangements to combat cost and price inflation on a voluntary basis.