§ Mr. Thorntonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the figures in 1956–57 for total wage increases; what was the percentage increase in wage rates; and what is the estimated aggregate wage bill for 1956–57.
§ Mr. BirchFigures for the financial year 1956–57 are not available. For the calendar year 1956 the total wage bill is estimated at £7,375 million, an increase82W of £615 million over the preceding year. Weekly wage rates increased during 1956 by about 7½ per cent.