HC Deb 05 March 1968 vol 760 cc68-9W
Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Labour on what date he was notified of the wage agreement between Beckman Instruments Limited and the Draughtsmen's and Allied Technicians' Association; and how long after this date he issued a direction under the Prices and Incomes Act, 1967 suspending the pay increases.

Mr. Hattersley

The notification of pay increases (to be effective from 1st December, 1967) was received by the Ministry on 11th September last. A week later the company was asked not to make the full increase proposed, pending a report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes, which was in fact published on 20th December. The direction was made on 23rd February, after study of the report and full consultations with the company and other interested parties.