85. Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she is aware of the disparity in average incomes in the Northern area compared with those in other parts of the country; and what proposals she has to establish the principle of equal pay for equal work, irrespective of regional habitation.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am aware that average earnings in the Northern Region are below the national average. Regional differences in earnings are due to various factors such as the different mix of occupations and different labour supply situations. They can be evened out only through long term policies of regional development.