§ Mr. John Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the value of the regional employment premium has fallen since it was first fixed at its present amount.
§ Mr. HigginsThe full-time male rate of R.E.P. of £1.50 has remained unchanged, as have all the other rates of R.E.P., since the introduction of R.E.P. in the third quarter of 1967. On the basis of the change in the G.D.P. factor cost index between the third quarter of 1967 and the third quarter of 1971 the value of the full-time male rate has fallen by about 23 per cent.
§ Mr. John Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage the regional employment premium was of the average wage in manufacturing industry in April, 1968, and at the latest convenient rate, respectively.
§ Mr. HigginsThe full-time male rate of R.E.P. was equivalent to 6.6 per cent. of the average male wage in manufacturing industry in April, 1968; the corresponding provisional figure for October, 1971, is 4.8 per cent.
§ Mr. John Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amount paid to Scottish industry per annum in respect of the regional employment premium.
§ Mr. HigginsI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. Urwin) on 21st December, 1971.