§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what percentage increase in rates and earnings of engineering craftsmen in the water supply industry is indicated by the proposed increase in the basic rate by 4½d. an hour.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThe increase in basic rate would be approximately 5 per cent. It has been estimated that total earnings would be increased by about 4¼. per cent.; this is because they include certain allowances which would remain unaltered.