HC Deb 30 April 1970 vol 800 cc1429-31
4. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many of the pay increases from 1st January, 1970 to date have been tied to productivity agreements.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (Mr. Harold Walker)

Information is readily available only about increases affecting 10,000 or more workers. Of 65 such increases so far this year, 34 were related to increased productivity or efficiency.

Mr. Marten

Does not the Minister agree that, whatever is happening in other countries, the present deluge of pay increases will hit pensioners and the less well off very hard? Is not this manipulation of the economy for electoral purposes the most cynical, transparent and shameful thing?

Mr. Walker

I find the hon. Gentleman's approach refreshing, after the long sustained attack on the Government's attempts to operate effectively an incomes policy.

Mr. Tinn

Has my hon. Friend noticed how the recent figures published by O.E.C.D. showing comparative unit labour costs give the lie to the distortions of hon. Gentlemen opposite? They show, for instance, that in the United States and Canada costs have gone up faster than here, that Japan is only slightly better, and that a good deal of the credit for this is due to the Government's policy on productivity.

Mr. Walker

Yes, I recall that three weeks ago the Prime Minister gave the House some very impressive figures showing that the United Kingdom was maintaining and improving its competitive position in world markets.

Mr. Higgins

Following the hon. Gentleman's initial answer, so that we can judge the success of the Government's policy, will he tell us how much incomes went up in percentage terms during the period of the statutory policy, and how much productivity went up? Does not the disparity show that the policy failed completely?

Mr. Walker

If the hon. Gentleman will take the trouble to read the Department of Employment and Productivity Gazette he will see the figures published monthly.

27. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many pay settlements in the public sector have been approved this year which fall within the norm of 2½ per cent. to 4½ per cent.

Mr. Harold Walker

Six.

Mr. Kenneth Lewis

Will the Under-Secretary specify what the six are? Does he realize—I am sure that he must—that the wages explosion is very serious? What is his Department proposing to do about it, or is it being completely disregarded in advance of the General Election?

Mr. Walker

I cannot give the hon. Gentleman details about particular cases at Question Time. I am willing to write to him, if he wishes.

Concerning the alleged wages explosion, I have been under criticism for apparently being unduly alarmist. I find it astonishing, on the one hand, to be accused of causing alarm and, on the other, of being asked to respond to it.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Opposition are seriously concerned about the wages and salaries explosion and that they, like me, will be looking to see whether the six that my hon. Friend has mentioned include the judges' salaries which are to be put up tonight with the support of the Opposition. Perhaps they might oppose that. Can my hon. Friend answer that one?