HC Deb 28 July 1964 vol 699 cc238-9W
45. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the facts that the average weekly earnings including overtime in 1951 for postmen was £6 15s. 2d. against £14 14s. 10d. today, for telephonists £5 6s. 9d. against £11 12s. l1d. today, and for all technicians £6 17s. 8d. against £15 18s. 7d. today, what formal proposals for strike action were made to his Department by the unions concerned in 1951 at their wages then; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bevins

There were no proposals for strike action in 1951.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will publish in HANSARD the minimum average wage received by postmen on 1st January since January, 1952, to date, and how the increases awarded in each calendar year compared with the fall in the purchasing value of the £ sterling, the rise in the cost of living, and the national average minimum wage level in industry generally.

Mr. Bevins

In the following table the estimates of postmen's minimum average wage are based on the average of earnings exclusive of overtime and all

Change during previous year as a percentage, taking 1st January 1952=100
Postmen's Minimum Average Wage at 1st January Postmen's Minimum Average Wage Purchasing Value of £ Cost of Living National Average Minimum Wage
£ s. d.
1952 … … 6 13 4
1953 … … 6 19 4 4 -4 4 6
1954 … … 6 19 4 nil -1 2 4
1955 … … 7 10 4 9 -4 4 4
1956 … … 8 6 3 12 -4 6 8
1957 … … 9 4 0 13 -3 5 10
1958 … … 9 13 0 7 -2 4 7
1959 … … 10 0 8 5 nil 3 5
1960 … … 10 1 4 1 -1 -1 1
1961 … … 10 12 8 8 -2 3 6
1962 … … 10 14 5 2 -3 6 5
1963 … … 11 11 2 12 -1 4 7
1964 … … 12 7 8* 13* -1 3 7
Total 86 -26 43 70
*Including the 6½ %increase agreed on the 24th July.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the fact that Post Office workers' wages have more than doubled since 1951 and that a further pay offer has recently been made, what estimate he has made of the date on which it will prove necessary to raise the 3d. letter charge to 4d.; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bevins

I have no plans for increasing postal charges.