§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on what date she was informed of the pay settlement concerning 2,000 ancillary workers employed by Swan Hunter; on what date the settlement was confirmed; and what is the estimated percentage increase in rates, earnings and productivity arising therefrom.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe settlement was notified to my Department on 14th April, 1969, and the decision not to oppose implementation was sent to the company on 7th May, 1969. The immediate increase in rates amounts to 12.3 per cent. in return for a wide measure of flexibility between crafts and mobility of labour between yards; a greatly simplified wage structure—242 grades have been reduced to 4; and increased productivity. There is in addition a bonus incentive scheme, and therefore the percentage increase in earnings and productivity will depend upon the performance of the workers concerned.