HC Deb 14 February 1972 vol 831 cc17-8W
Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the average weekly cash earnings, excluding the value of allowances in kind, of National Coal Board miners in the board's financial year 1964–65; what was the corresponding figure for the year 1970–71; and what percentage increase it represented.

Mr. Ridley

Average weekly cash earnings of National Coal Board mine workers of all ages in 1964–65 were £17.96½ in 1970.71 they were £27.05, representing a percentage increase of 50.6 per cent. For fuller details I would refer my hon. Friend to Volume II of the National Coal Board's Annual Report and Accounts.

Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the average increase in percentage, excluding the value of allowances in kind, of National Coal Board miners in the board's financial years 1964–65 to 1970–71, inclusive; and what percentage increase in the cost of living has taken place in the same period.

Mr. Ridley

Average weekly cash earnings of National Coal Board mineworkers in 1970–71 were 50.6 per cent. above those in 1964–65. From March, 1965, to March, 1971, the Index of Retail Prices rose by 35.6 per cent. For further details I would refer my hon. Friend to Volume II of the National Coal Board's Annual Report and Accounts. The Index of Retail Prices is published monthly in the Department of Employment'sGazette.

Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the average weekly cash earnings, excluding the value of allowances in kind, of National Coal Board miners in the board's financial year 1964–65 and the corresponding figure for the year 1969–70; and what percentage increase it represented.

Mr. Ridley

Average weekly cash earnings of National Coal Board mineworkers of all ages in 1964–65 were £17.96½; in 1969–70 they were £23.82, representing a percentage increase of 32.6 per cent. Full details are given with value of allowances in kind shown separately in Volume II of the Annual Report and Accounts of the National Coal Board.