HC Deb 25 July 1960 vol 627 cc1075-6
39. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour if he will explain the purpose of the new survey of earnings; if he will have published with the survey the wages for each industry and for each grade, including also statistics showing the changes in wages during the years 1914, 1920, 1930 and 1960; and if he will explain in the publication the direct relationship that exists between enhanced earnings in engineering on the one hand and prices fixed by mutual agreement and increased effort on the other.

Mr. Heath

The purpose of the inquiry next October is to show, for the first time since 1938, both the average weekly earnings of manual workers and the distribution of individual earnings above and below these averages. Individual industries will be distinguished but not separate occupations or grades. It will not be practicable to relate actual earnings in engineering to rates fixed by mutual agreement.

Mr. Ellis Smith

That reply is very informative and satisfactory as far as it goes and impossible to pursue in question and answer. Will the Minister bear in mind the points raised in the Question?