§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware that in the seven years between 1960 and 1966 Dutch wages rose by 80 per cent., Italian wages by 73 per cent., German by more than 70 per cent., Belgian by 58 per cent., and French by 54 per cent., whereas British wage rates have risen by only 44 per cent. during this period; and if, as a means of facilitating Great Britain's entry into the Common Market, he will take steps to increase the wage rates of British workers;
(2) whether he is aware that in the Common Market countries the general wage level is higher than those in Great Britain, and that wage rates are rising faster in the Common Market countries than in Great Britain; and if, as a means of facilitating Great Britain's entry into the Common Market, he will revise his estimate of permitted wage rises to bring Great Britain into line with the Common Market countries.
§ Mr. Hattersley:I am aware of the information referred to by my hon. Friend though I could not accept it without reservation. I do not think that the 391W suggestions made by my hon. Friend would ease our entry into the Common Market.