§ 11. Mr. Danceasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what percentage increase was involved in the settlement of the motor vehicle retailing and repair workers' wage claim; and on what grounds it was approved by her Department.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe increase is estimated to be within the 3½ per cent. ceiling. Approval was given primarily in recognition of the increasing amount of repair work being undertaken by a reduced labour force. The agreement should chiefly benefit the lower paid in the industry, who had not had a national increase since December, 1967.
§ Mr. DanceWhilst one is delighted that the lower-paid workers will get an increase, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman would agree that the various settlements now going on have blown the roof off any prices and incomes policy?
§ Mr. WalkerI fail to see how that wild allegation arises out of a Question the answer to which relates to a settlement within the ceiling.