§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the estimated percentage increase in rates and earnings arising from the current pay claim by independent television technicians; what productivity proposals are included in the claim; what is the percentage increase in output per man of television technicians compared with that of employees in the building industry over the most recent available 12-month period; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThis pay claim, which would have increased rates by about 20 per cent. and labour costs by an estimated 30 per cent. and included no productivity proposals, was not accepted by the independent television companies. As negotiations are in progress, it would not be appropriate for me to say more now.