§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total cost to public funds of the implementation of the recommendations of the commission on pay comparability.
§ Mr. BiffenThe estimated total full year cost in Great Britain of all the recommendations of the Standing Commission on pay comparability, received to date is approximately £1.6 billion. It is the Government's policy that pay increases should be negotiated within the framework of what the country can afford. The rate support grant cash limit for 1981–82 will include provision for increases in the level of earnings of 6 per cent. for annual settlements in the current pay round.