§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will now state what has been the outcome of the discussions she has had concerning the recommendations of the National Board for Prices and Incomes concerning the pay of Imperial Chemical Industries white collar staff; and what estimated percentage increase in rates, earnings and productivity is expected to arise from the settlement in question.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe Government decided that they were unable to depart144W from the conclusions of the Board's Report by agreeing to the payment in full of the I.C.I. salary award.
A standstill could have been applied to prevent payment before the end of November, 1969, but the company has given an assurance to withhold payment of the balance due under the settlement until that date.
The full settlement was expected to increase salary levels and job maxima by about 6 per cent., with a similar effect on earnings, and was based on a forecast of a further 9 per cent. increase in staff productivity during 1969. For the reasons stated in its Report the Board concluded that a salary increase in excess of 3½ per cent. would not be justified.