§ 18. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Labour whether he has now received the report of the official committee on equal pay; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ThorntonNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend hopes to receive the Report shortly.
§ Mr. MartenWhen replying to my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Ridsdale) on 14th June, the hon. Gentleman said that he would receive the report within two or three weeks. Can he say what is holding it up? Is it the cost of equal pay?
§ Mr. ThorntonI must apologise to the hon. Member and to the House—it is my second apology today—for unconsciously misleading hon. Members on 14th June when, as the hon. Member said, I stated 16 that we expected the report in two or three weeks' time. I corrected this in the Adjournment debate on 23rd June.
§ Mr. MartenWhen does the hon. Member expect the report now?
§ Mr. ThorntonWe expect it very soon indeed. I had better avoid saying "in a week or two weeks".
§ Dr. SummerskillWill my hon. Friend say whether "very soon" is in terms of weeks or months?
§ Mr. ThorntonI think I can venture to say that it is in terms of weeks.
§ Mr. Ronald BellWhen the report comes, will the hon. Member bear in mind that there is a distinction between equal pay for equal work and the rate for the job?