– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 8 July 1947.
Mr Cyril Osborne
, Louth Borough
12:00,
8 July 1947
asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a further statement on a general wages policy; and, in particular, what is the Government's attitude to further wage increases that are not dependent upon output.
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
The Government's policy in this matter remains as stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the reply which he gave the hon. Member for Holland and Boston (Mr. Butcher), on 21st January last. As regards the second part of the Question, the subject of output per man year is discussed in paragraphs 132 to 136 inclusive of the Economic Survey for 1947. These paragraphs contain the Government's views on this matter, both in relation to the question of payment and to the other factors involved.
Mr Cyril Osborne
, Louth Borough
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the Economic Survey was issued, a lot of water has gone under the bridge, and that there has been a great demand for higher wages on the part of people who are not producing, which must inevitably lead to higher prices and general inflation?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
Everybody who goes to work, if not producing, is helping in distribution and so on, and to that extent is contributing to the needs of the community.
Mr William Brown
, Rugby
is the right hon. Gentleman aware that paragraphs 132 to 136 of the Economic Survey tell the House of Commons that the Government have not got the necessary figures on the subject of payment by results? That was some months ago. Have not the Government got them by now, and are they not in a position to make a declaration of policy?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
That is another question.
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