§ 26. Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity the latest estimate of the number of local, 1065 plant and shop floor agreements which have been concluded in the engineering industry since the national award; how many of these took account of the productivity guidelines contained in that award; and what is the average increase in rates and earnings arising from these settlements.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerIt is not possible to estimate the number of local plant agreements which have been concluded since the implementation of the national engineering agreement on 16th December, 1968.
§ Mr. BiffenIf it is not possible to estimate the number, how can the hon. Gentleman assert that they have all been stringently tested, which, we understand, is the requirement of the Government's policy?
§ Mr. WalkerPerhaps the hon. Member has not noticed that only about nine weeks have elapsed since the implementation of the main agreement. It is, therefore, extremely unlikely that any local agreements inspired by the main agreement have been entered into.