§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour what percentage increase in hourly rates proposed for workers covered by the National Joint Council for the Exhibition Industry were notified to him on 20th March; what percentage rate was finally agreed as a result of his discussions with the National Joint Council; and how this rate is related to the considerations either of the lower paid or of productivity as indicated in the Government's prices and incomes policy.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe increase proposed was one of 3.1 per cent. It arose partly from an automatic increase under a cost of living sliding scale agreement, and partly from a commitment to review entered into prior to 20th July, 1966. It was therefore not considered either against the "lowest paid worker" criteria or the productivity criteria and it was decided not to require any change in the terms of the settlement.