HC Deb 06 November 1969 vol 790 c1168
17. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the proportion of the British gross national product which goes to wages and salaries in relation to comparable figures for other industrial countries available to him from international sources ; and on what basis the figures are compiled.

Mr. Harold Walker

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the information requested.

Mr. Moonman

Would my hon. Friend agree that in the past the figures have been striking and that the latest information is likely to prove equally important to managements and trade unions alike? However, in view of the doubts that have been expressed, might he be prepared to institute an inquiry into the way in which the figures are compiled because at least three organisations do not know? I refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes, the Central Statistical Office and his Department?

Mr. Walker

I think that only one Department is responsible, and that is the Treasury, which gives a quite detailed breakdown of the figures in the appropriate Blue Book on National Income. However, in view of my hon. Friends remarks, I will look into the matter.

Following is the information :

The table below is taken from the latest returns to O.E.C.D. which are based on the definitions described in the O.E.C.D. publication "A Standardised System of National Accounts ".

Employees income as a percentage of gross national product at factor cost, 1967
Wages and salaries Total compensation of employees*
United Kingdom 63.3† 67.6†
France 43.1‡ 58.1
West Germany n.a. 58.3
Italy n.a. 53.4
Japan 45.1 47.5
Netherlands 47.0 59.5
Sweden 65.5 71.1
United States 58.5 63.7
* Comprises wages and salaries, pay and allowances of the Armed Forces and employers' contributions to social security.
† The corresponding figures for 1968 are 64.1 per cent. and 68.6 per cent.
‡ Excluding wages and salaries paid to civilian personnel of military departments.