In the December issue of the National Union of Furniture Trade Operatives Record, an editorial had this to say about an incomes policy:
".eethe Labour Government has stated its intention to seek to implement, by consultation, an incomes policy. This intention was clearly stated before the election" (it then goes on to quote Labour's eletion manifesto on the subject" "...At the TUC, Harold Wilson was equally clear and emphaticeee. The discussions have begun, but no details have yet been disclosed. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has stated the diffirulties, has indicated that no Government has yet devised an effective incomes policy, but also pointed to the ‘rich rewards' if such a policy can be operated. It is the intention of the Government to pro¢eed with the urgent consultations! because an incomes policy is, in its view, an essential part of an expansion policy.
"Our policy on wage freeze is clear - and wnchanged. The Government has not asked for any committal in advance on an unstated ‘incomes policy', but is dealing with the problem as part of its overall plan - again in accordance with the election manifesto. ‘Je cannot forsee the outcome of the discussions, but members should be aware that they are proceeding - as stated, against the background of a determination by the Government to maintain industrial expansion and social justice,
"The trade union movement is not committed in advance, without consultation, to all the detailed plans a Labour Government may bring forward. Criticism in consultations will no doubt be sharp on occasion. We must, however, at this stage be quick and ready to defend against attacks on the Government by thos whose plans for an attack on the unions and on our standards of living were cut short by the result of the election. That, at this stage, is the primary task. We have to ensure that those with the responsibility of office under critical and difficult conditions are indeed fiven a full and fair opportunity to initiate their long-term plans and are not judged on the urgent proposals needed to deal with the immediate crisis."