HC Deb 21 June 1973 vol 858 cc198-9W
Q5. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement on progress in talks with the TUC and CBI.

The Prime Minister

Together with my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Employment and the Minister for Trade and Consumer Affairs, I held a further meeting with representatives of the CBI on 18th June.

We had a useful discussion on the problems of sustaining growth and the need to continue effective policies against inflation. It was agreed that at our next meeting—for which staff discussions to prepare the ground will begin immediately—there should be a full discussion of the economic situation, short-term constraints on growth, arrangements under a voluntary agreement, low pay and industrial relations.

As regards the talks with the TUC, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Rost) on 14th June.