asked the Prime Minister which Ministers have been having conversations with the Trades Union Congress on wages, subsidies, profits and matters related to the relief of inflationary tendencies, and the prevention of further rises in the cost of living; how many meetings have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of these negotiations.

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and other Ministers meet representatives of both sides of industry, including the Trades Union Congress, and the matters mentioned by the hon. Member have of course come up in the course of such meetings. These consultations are not in the nature of negotiations, but take place in order that there may be an exchange of views upon current affairs.

The Leader of the House has suggested in his reply that no specific negotiations took place last week. In "The Times" it was stated definitely. If it is true that specific negotiations have been taking place with the T.U.C. alone and that agreements have been reached, can the Leader of the House assure us that they will be carried out and not sabotaged by irresponsible elements in the trade unions themselves?

In the existing economic situation, I do not think that a Member of the Opposition ought to talk too much about sabotage—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I said that no definite negotiations had taken place; I meant it. Therefore, the hon. Member's further supplementary question does not arise.

Are we to understand that the Leader of the House is charging this side of the House with sabotaging the efforts of the country?

Hon. Members:

Yes.

I was giving the hon. Member some advice. I think that the advice is perfectly appropriate and right.

An Hon. Member:

Now we know where we are.

In view of the large amount of newspaper propaganda which is taking place with regard to subsidies on food, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the trade unions did not proceed with wage negotiations during the war because of the subsidies that were placed on food?

That is perhaps a little outside of the scope of the Question and answer. Certainly we keep all these matters in mind.

Major Lloyd:

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that those who voted against Socialism in the recent municipal elections were, deliberately, by the exercise of their vote, trying to sabotage His Majesty's Government?

If negotiations or discussions have been taking place on these matters, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is high time the Government made up their minds on their policy?

I have answered the Question. The answer is perfectly on the point.