§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the estimated increase in rates and earnings deriving from the recent pay settlement concluded for journalists working in the London and Manchester offices of national newspapers; what productivity elements were involved in the settlement; by how much productivity has been increased since the previous pay increase; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe first stage of this agreement would increase basic minimum rates for London by £40 a year (2. 56 per cent.) and for Manchester by £42 (2. 65 per cent.) from 1st January 1969. The second stage would add £100 a year to each rate (6. 25 per cent. for London: 6. 45 per cent. for Manchester) one year later. My Department is seeking information from the parties to the settlement about the other points raised.