§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the estimated increase in rates, earnings, and productivity arising from the pay settlement for 4,000 hourly paid workers in the gases division of British Oxygen; and what is her estimate of these figures taking into account also the recent national engineering award.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerIt is estimated that the average increase in rates will be approximately 2 per cent. The effect on earnings will depend upon achievement of target performance, which would give an average increase of about 12 per cent. and increased productivity of at least 18 per cent. The national engineering agreement does not affect the workers covered by this settlement.