§ 6. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Labour in how many cases have reports been made to him of agreements containing a cost-of-living clause having been varied since 18th September, 1949, in accordance with the policy of His Majesty's Government; in the case of how many existing agreements, of which he is aware, has no such variation taken place; how many workers are affected in each case; and what increases in wages, salaries or other remuneration have taken place since 18th September, 1949, as the result of the operation of such agreements.
§ Mr. IsaacsAs far as I am aware the existing agreements, which cover about 1½ million workpeople, have not been varied since 18th September, 1949. The total increases in rates of wages since 18th September, granted as the result of the operation of these agreements, amount to about £110,000 per week.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the intimation of Government policy which he told us in answer to a Question on 1st November had been given in this connection has had no effect?
§ Mr. IsaacsWhether it has had any effect or not is difficult to say, because we have no actual information. I have no authority to command information, but have to rely on voluntary information. It is interesting to note that one small area which decided to suspend asked to put it back again with retrospective pay.