§ 58. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Labour which are the six wages councils covering the six lowest paid groups of male workers; what are the average wage rates received excluding overtime; how many workers these six councils cover; and, on the basis of the Budget proposals, the effects of devaluation, the abolition of the three waiting days and prescription charges, by how much he estimates that these workers' real income will be reduced in 1968.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe orders made to give effect to proposals from wages councils provide for a wide range of different rates varying according to the locality of the work, the age, occupation and experience of the worker, benefits in kind received etc. These rates represent the statutory minima and information is not available concerning the rates actually paid or the number of workers in each grade or category. For these reasons it is not possible to provide the detailed information and estimates which my hon. Friend is seeking.