§ Mr. Rookerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the effect on the tax and price index of the Budget Statement; and if he still encourages collective bargaining based on this index.
§ Mr. BrittanI refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the right hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. Walker) on 16 March. The Government have consistently made it clear that they regard no index as forming the basis for wage bargaining, which must take account of the employer's ability to pay.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report an estimate of the Budget measures on the tax and price index.
§ Mr. BrittanI refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the right hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. Walker) on 16 March.