HC Deb 10 April 1967 vol 744 cc734-5
43. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Labour if he will publish in future issues of his Department's Monthly Gazette statistics showing variations in earnings in each industry between England and Wales, and Scotland, respectively.

Mr. Hattersley

The Ministry already publishes information, compiled from our six-monthly enquiries, showing the earnings of men manual workers in Scotland, Wales and the administrative regions of England. Tables published twice each year in the Gazette give details by industry group. Similar information for individual industries is given in the quarterly publication "Statistics on Incomes, Prices, Employment and Production".

Tables showing earnings by occupation in certain industries are also published regularly in the Gazette, and the quarterly publication, for these same areas.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my hon. Friend say whether there is any technical difficulty about providing a table of comparison in the Monthly Gazette rather than in the quarterly information that he has indicated, about which I know?

Mr. Hattersley

There are both technical and financial difficulties. However, I very well understand my hon. Friend's concern and the reasons why he tabled his Question. I will certainly look into the matter and do my best to help him.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Will the hon. Gentleman consider putting differential prices as well as differential wages in the Monthly Gazette because certain industries in Scotland, such as electricity and gas, are going ahead at a much faster rate than in the rest of the country?

Mr. Hattersley

If the hon. Gentleman will table a Question about that I shall do my best to answer it.