§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the estimated percentage increase in rates and earnings, including fringe benefits, arising from the settlement between the Merchant Navy and Airline Officers Association with container fleets for work on the six new container ships expected to serve the United Kingdom—Australian trade; what has been the percentage increase of productivity of these officers in the last two years; and how this compares with the productivity of building workers over a similar period.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerOverseas Container Fleets Limited is a new company and this setttlement is the first which it has concluded with the Merchant Navy and Airline Officers Association. There are no past levels of pay and productivity with which comparison can be made. The company is however submitting the settlement to my Department.