§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour what is the expected increase in the rates and earnings of busmen arising from the recent settlement concluded by the Coventry City Council; if such increases are consistent with the prices and incomes norm or with the recommendations of the National Board for Prices and Incomes' Report on Pay and Conditions of Busmen; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe increase in the average rostered earnings of drivers and conductors under the recent agreement amounted to 12.4 per cent.
Actual earnings are expected to increase less, but an accurate estimate is not possible.
185WThe agreement needs to be examined in the light of the expected increase in productivity arising from changes in working practice. My right hon. Friend is considering how far it is consistent with the recommendations in the National Board's Report on the Pay and Conditions of Busmen.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour by what means he is informed of the various improvements in manpower use referred to in paragraph 120 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes' Report on Pay and Conditions of Busmen for those companies who are not parties to any central negotiations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe companies outside the national machinery engage only to a very limited extent in stage-carriage operation of a kind to which the recommendations in paragraph 120 of the Board's report are directed.