HC Deb 23 March 1967 vol 743 cc338-9W
Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Minister of Labour what information he has from international sources regarding the percentage increase in earnings in manufacturing industry, whether on an hourly, weekly, or monthly basis, between 1959 and 1964, 1965 and 1966, respectively, in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the United States, Sweden and Japan, respectively.

Mr. Fernyhough

The following information about increases in earnings, which has been derived from the usual international sources for the overseas countries concerned, is shown above the data for the United Kingdom. Percentage increases are given for the periods 1959 to 1964 and 1964 to 1965, respectively. Statistics of average earnings in 1966 are not yet available for some of the overseas countries. Owing to differences in concept, scope, methodology and presentation, the figures do not provide a satisfactory basis for comparisons between one country and another.

PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN AVERAGE EARNINGS OF WAGE EARNERS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
(Hourly earnings except for Japan)
1959 to 1964 1964 to 1965
U.S.A. 15.5 3.2
Japan* ..† 9.1
France .. ..
Germany (Federal Republic) ..† 10.8‡
Italy 67.9 ..§
Sweden 46.0 ..§
United Kingdom║ 34.3 9.5
* Monthly earnings; including salaried workers.
† Owing to breaks in the series, direct comparisons cannot be made between the published figures for 1959 and 1964. In Japan, however, the percentage increase in monthly earnings between 1961 and 1963 was 21.9, and for the Federal Republic of Germany (excluding West Berlin) the percentage increase in hourly earnings between 1960 and 1963 was 32.1.
‡ Including West Berlin.
§ Owing to a break in the series direct comparisons cannot be made between the absolute figures published for 1964 and 1965.
║ Full-time manual workers.
.. Not available.