§ Mrs. McKayasked the Minister of Labour if women in certain industries at present not receiving equal pay for equal work are to be an exception within the terms of the national incomes policy.
§ Mr. GunterIt is not possible to give a simple and categorical answer to this Question. As the hon. Lady is aware, the White Paper on Prices and Incomes Policy (Cmnd. 2639) includes no specific provision for equal pay, but the conditions for exceptional pay increases are set out in paragraph 15. I must, however, point out that the White Paper stipulates that exceptional increases
will need to be balanced by lower than average increases to other groups if the increase in wages and salaries over the economy as a whole is to be kept within the norm".
§ Mrs. McKayasked the Minister of Labour in how many industries women 299W employees are currently receiving unequal pay for equal work; if he will name the industries; and what steps he will take to remedy this situation within the terms of the incomes policy.
§ Mr. GunterNo comprehensive information is available and definitions of equal pay and equal work vary widely. In general, it appears that in the manufacturing industries, where a woman is performing a man's job and carries out the requirements of the job without additional supervision agreements provide that she is to receive the man's rate. As regards non-manual workers, there is equal pay in national and local government services, in the nationalised industries and for teachers and nurses.
The whole question of equal pay is at present being examined.
§ Mrs. McKayasked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made towards the implementation of the principle of equal pay; and when he expects to make a further statement on the matter.
§ Mr. GunterNow that the details of the prices and incomes policy have been agreed, I hope to make further progress in considering the question of equal pay. The many social and economic issues involved need very careful examination and until this is completed I do not think I can give the House any more useful information.
§ Mrs. McKayasked the Minister of Labour what representations have been made to him by trade unions on the implementation of equal pay in industrial agreements.
§ Mr. GunterI have received letters from the Trades Union Congress, and from the Scottish Trades Union Congress, drawing my attention to resolutions calling for equal pay and enquiring about the possibility of ratifying the I.L.O. Convention on this subject. Letters on the subject have also been received from two trade union organisations—the Association of Supervisory Staffs, Executives and Technicians, and the National Federation of Professional Workers.
§ Mrs. McKayasked the Minister of Labour what estimate has been made of the total cost of the full implementation of the pledge to grant by right equal pay for equal work; and if he will make a statement.
300W
§ Mr. GunterAn estimate of cost is by no means an easy matter, and depends, amongst other things, on the definition of equal pay and equal work and on the extent and phasing of its introduction. These are matters which are currently under examination.