HC Deb 04 December 1969 vol 792 cc1674-5
2. Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many wage settlements have been notified to her Department in the current year to the latest available date where the award has exceeded 5 per cent.

Mr. Harold Walker

Twenty-four affecting 10,000 workers or more. The number affecting a fewer number of workers cannot be extracted without a disproportionate amount of work.

Mr. Crouch

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that this has been an effective order from his Department? By how many has this exceeded the norm, which we understand to be 3½ per cent.

Mr. Walker

I am not sure that I understand the hon. Gentleman's question. He should not attach too much significance to the 5 per cent., because these settlements invariably involve a substantial element of productivity or substantial restructuring of wages.

Mr. Heffer

Is the recent building workers' settlement likely to be referred to the Department for further consideration?

Mr. Walker

The settlement is currently under consideration by the Department.