HC Deb 05 June 1967 vol 747 cc621-2
50. Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Labour what is the estimated number of workers covered by wage council awards that are expected to become operative on or after 1st July, 1967; what is the average increase in wage rates indicated by these awards; what estimated percentage of workers is already earning above these minimum rates; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gunter

It is estimated that there are 970,000 workers in total within the scope of wages councils for which I have approved increases in the statutory minimum rates which are expected to come into operation on or after 1st July, 1967. The unweighted average of the increase in the minimum adult rate is 6.2 per cent. and 6.9 per cent. for men and women respectively. The intervals since the previous increases ranged from 15 months to two years.

Information concerning the earnings of workers covered by these Orders or about the percentage receiving more than the new minima is not available, but I have expressed the view that those receiving more than the new minima should not be paid increases except to the extent necessary to avoid distorting a wages structure based on individual responsibility, merit or performance.

Mr. Biffen

Is not a vital piece of information which the House should have the number who are earning above the minimum rates? What steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking to ascertain this information, if only on a sample basis, and by what means does he assure him- self that his exhortation that the increases should be confined to those on minimum rates is carried out?

Mr. Gunter

The hon. Member has put his finger on the weak spot of the structure of the wages councils, and that is what we are looking at. Discussions will shortly be entered into with the T.U.C. and the C.B.I. about this and related matters. We have no information about those who are above the minima. The Prices and Incomes Board performed a valuable service on a sample basis by taking the lid off retail prices.

Mr. Ridley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we cannot debate his Orders quashing pay increases made by wages councils because they are not affirmative Orders? In view of the undertaking that all prices and incomes Orders would be debatable, will he take steps to change the law in this respect?

Mr. Gunter

I shall have to take time to consider that.