HC Deb 20 July 1972 vol 841 c160W
46. Mr. Coombs

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the annual increase in the monthly index of average earnings between April, 1968, and April, 1972, and the amount projected between April, 1972, and April, 1973,assuming that future wage settlements are kept at less than 10 per cent, and total payments with regard to overtime and bonuses do not exceed those paid at April, 1972.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Between April, 1968, and April, 1972, the monthly index of average earnings increased at an average annual rate of 10.6 per cent. I am not prepared to make forward projections of movements of earnings.