§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Employment if the results of the New Earnings Survey 1977 indicate that the aim of the Equal Pay Act 1970 to reduce wage disparities between the sexes is being met.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerYes. The New Earnings Survey shows that between 253W April 1970 and April 1977 the ratio of average earnings of women to those of men rose from about 63 to over 75 per cent. These figures relate to all full-time workers aged 18 and over in all occupations in all industries and to earnings per hour excluding the effects of overtime working.