§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the weekly 350W wage rates and earnings of an engineering fitter at 8th November 1972, at the most convenient earlier date and at the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkThe national minimum time rates of wages for a male fitter, 20 years and over, for a week of 40 hours were agreed as £17.50 in December 1970, £19 in December 1971 and £22 in August 1972. There are no nationally agreed rates for piece-work fitters.
The latest available figures of earnings by occupation of men, 21 years and over, in engineering relate to June 1972. At that date average weekly earnings for men fitters—other than tool-room and maintenance—were £36.45 (for 43 hours) for those on time work and £36.25 (for 41 hours) for those on piece work. At the previous inquiry in June 1971 the corresponding figures were £3206 (for 43.6 hours) and £3321 (for 41.6 hours), respectively.