§ 12. Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Minister of Labour to what extent the estimated 9.5 per cent. annual increase in average hourly wage earnings, excluding the effect of overtime, reported for October, 1965, was accounted for by increases in rates, reductions in standard hours, and fringe benefits.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsIn the industries covered by the six-monthly earnings inquiries, basic weekly wage rates rose by 4.3 per cent. and normal weekly hours of work fell by 3 per cent. in the 12-month period ending in October, 1965. Hourly wage rates thus increased by 7.3 per cent. compared with an increase of 9.5 per cent. in average hourly earnings—excluding the effect of overtime premium. These figures do not take account of benefits such as holiday pay, pensions schemes, etc. The Ministry is just completing an inquiry into employers' labour costs which will show the relationship of their expenditure on such benefits to their total labour costs.