HC Deb 20 July 1972 vol 841 cc162-4W
Q10. Mr. Molloy

asked the Prime Minister when he next proposes to see the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry to discuss industrial and economic problems.

Q11. Mr. Carter

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the outcome of his official meeting with the Trades Union Congress; if he intends to request a further meeting; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

At our meeting on 4th July I invited the TUC to take part in a joint examination with the Government and CBI of how best to achieve our common economic objectives. I gave a similar invitation to the CBI on 10th July. This joint examination has now begun at the special meeting under the aegis of NEDC on 18th July, which was attended by Government, TUC and CBI representatives. At that meeting there was general agreement on the aim of achieving a steady rise in real earnings and on the need to approach the problem of inflation by working out sensible arrangements on a voluntary basis. We arranged to meet again on 25th July.

Q12. Mr. Duffy

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his official meeting with leaders of the Confederation of British Industry on 10th July.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 13th July to the hon. Members for Nuneaton (Mr. Leslie Huckfield) and Hackney, Central (Mr. Clinton Davis).— [Vol. 840, c.421–2.]

Q16. Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of the public statement issued by him following his meeting in London with the Trades Union Congress General Council on 4th July, 1972.

The Prime Minister

I have already done so.

Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Prime Minister if the broadcast interview given by the Secretary of State for Employment on 4th July concerning the meeting between members of the Government and the Trades Union Congress represented the policy of the Government.

The Prime Minister

Yes.