Harold Wilsons Government 1964-70.

There were a number of developments in post war Britain that the main parties had little alternative but to pursue a similar policy. When in opposition, these policies were attacked but there was little fundamental difference in policy between Labour and Conservative.

Immigration. Retreat from Empire. Entry to the EEC. Inflation and recession. (Economic management.) Heavy defence spending. Welfarism. Nationalisation.

After a narrow victory in 1964, the first two years of Labour in office are generally regarded as being successful. Following Wilsons famous quote that Britain must respond to the white heat of the technological revolution, the Dept for Economic Affairs (1964) and the Ministry of Technology (1964) was established. However, neither was successful as conflict with the Treasury ensued. In 1966, Labour gained a 110 seat majority.

George Brown. First Secretary of State for Economic Affairs. 1964-66.

The creation of the DEA was based upon a six-weeks experiment in 1947 when Stafford Cripps was appointed as Secretary of State for Economic Affairs before being appointed as Chancellor. Wilson wanted to divide the Treasury into two in part to reduce its power. Critics of the ministry included Douglas Jay who felt that Wilson had given Brown the ministry as a way of appeasing him. The Treasury was eventually able to claw back its influence and the DEA was wound up in October 1969.

Published by Brown and the DEA in 1965. Set a series of five-year targets. It was endorsed, reluctantly, by the TUC. The plan envisaged a 25% increase in output by 1970. Increased productivity, export performance, education and training, research in high-tech industries and action against monopolies. All this would be achieved with a ceiling on public expenditure growth and a reduction in overseas spending. The failure of such a plan meant that many of the Labour left complained that the government had lost sight of its socialist principles.

Growing but continued dependence on middle eastern oil. Controlled by OPEC from the early 1960s. 1964 lack of investment and economic growth. A large, inherited and mounting BOP deficit. 1966 Strike by National Union of Seamen led to a sharp fall in exports.

Middle East Iraq (September 1960) Iran (September 1960) Kuwait (September, 1960) Qatar (December 1961) Saudi Arabia (September 1960) United Arab Emirates (November 1967)

1966 France called for Britain to devalue the . 1967 Six Day War (Egypt and Israel) closed the Suez Canal and disrupted trade. 1967 unemployment at 496,000 and unofficial strikes by dock workers in London, Liverpool and Hull. In 1967, under French pressure, Britain devalued the from $2.80 to $2.40.

Aggressive union leaders such as Jack Jones from the TGWU. Inter-union rivalry. Union opposition to equal pay for women. Unofficial strikes by militant left wingers. Loss of 6.8 million working days in 1969.

It was a proposed to curb the power of British trade unions, but was never passed into law. An attempt to force unions to call a ballot before a strike was held, and an Industrial Board would be established to enforce settlements in industrial disputes. The Labour Cabinet was divided over the issue and the opposition, led by the Home Secretary James Callaghan, prevailed.