§ 66. Mr. Thorntonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the figures he gave to the House on 30th October, 1957, of wage increases totalling £900 million referred to the financial year 1956–57 or to the calendar years 1956 and 1957; and what percentage of the estimated total wage bill this £900 million represents.
70W
§ Mr. PowellI am glad to have an opportunity of correcting the statement to which the hon. Member refers. The figure referred to increases in wages and salaries in the calendar year 1956. The £900 million represents 8 per cent. of total wages and salaries for that calendar year.