HC Deb 27 January 1964 vol 688 cc9-10
16. Mr. K. Lewis

asked the Minister of Labour what was the average number of weekly hours worked and the weekly earnings gained by men over 21 years of age in the United Kingdom in 1963; and how these figures compare with the three previous years, respectively.

Mr. Godber

Average weekly earnings in April 1960 were £14 2s. 1d. with an average of 48 hours worked. For April 1963 the comparable figures were £16 3s. 1d and 46.9 hours.

As the full reply consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Lewis

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that this record of more pay for fewer hours worked is an indication of the progressive improvement in the standard of living under the Conservatives and proves what modernisation can do?

Mr. Godber

Yes, indeed. It is significant that the figure shows an increase in average weekly earnings of 14.5 per cent. compared with an increase in the retail price index of 10.4 per cent. All sections are prospering under the Conservative Government.

Mr. Steele

When the Minister publishes these figures, will he indicate the average earnings in various parts of the United Kingdom as a whole?

Mr. Godber

The figures for which I was asked were in respect of the United Kingdom as a whole.

Following is the information:

EARNINGS AND HOURS OF MALE MANUAL WORKERS OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND IN A NUMBER OF THE PRINCIPAL NON-MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Average weekly earnings Average hours worked
s. d. Percentage increase since April, 1960 Hours Percentage change since April, 1960
1960—
April 282 1 — 48.0 —
October 290 8 3.0 48.0 Nil
1961—
April 301 4 6.8 47.9 -0.2
October 306 10 8.8 47.4 -1.3
1962—
April 312 10 10.9 47.3 -1.5
October 317 3 12.5 47.0 -2.1
1963—
April 323 1 14.5 46.9 -2.3
October* 334 11 18.7 47.6 -0.8
* Provisional.

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