HC Deb 24 February 1969 vol 778 c1075
54. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity to what extent it remains her policy that increases in pay are justified where it is recognised that the pay of a certain group of workers has fallen seriously out of line with the level of remuneration for similar work; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Harold Walker

Increases in pay up to a maximum of 3½ per cent. per annum are justified in the circumstances described by the hon. Member, provided that, in the words of the White Paper, the pay in question "needs in the national interest to be improved".