§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour what is the percentage rise in wage rates and earnings likely to arise from the proposed settlement following recent negotiations between the British Footwear Manufacturers Federation and 263W the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives; to what extent the settlement relates to movements in the cost of living; and to what extent increases on account of movements in the cost of living index fall within the criteria for income increases during the period of extreme moderation.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe proposed settlement restricts increases to the lowest paid workers. Rises for men will taper from 6.4 per cent. to nothing: those for women from 7.8 per cent. to nothing—estimated in all to add up to ½ per cent. of the wage bill. These increases are not related to movements in the cost of living. Increases of that kind would not fall within the current criteria for incomes policy.