§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour what is the percentage increase in rates and earnings arising from the wage award made through the National Joint Council for the Motor Vehicle Retail and Repairing Trade; how many are affected; and if the range of increases is consistent with the criteria concerning productivity and lower-paid workers during the period of extreme moderation.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe recent agreement of the N.J.I.C. for the Motor Vehicle Retail and Repairing Trade covers about 300,000 employees. The percentage increases of the new minimum rates over those which took effect in January, 1966, are 14.8 per cent. for skilled men, 12.5 per cent for semi-skilled, 9.1 per cent. for other men and 7.4 per cent. for women. Earnings in the industry are expected to rise on average by about 5 per cent. The N.J.I.C. has emphasised that the agreement refers only to increases and rates and not to wages currently being paid in excess of the new minima. It has also given an undertaking that every effort will be made to raise productivity so that the cost of the agreement does not result in higher prices. The agreement is being considered by my Department