§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour what are the estimated weekly wage rates and earnings arising from the recent income increase negotiated for heating and ventilating workers; what is the percentage increase in rates and earnings recently agreed; and if such an increase is consistent with the Government's prices and incomes policy.
§ Mr. HattersleyCurrently hourly wage rates for employees in the heating and ventilating industry in areas within a 20-miles radius of Charing Cross are as follows: Craftsmen 8s. 5½d. and mates 7s. 2½d., and in other areas 8s. 4½d. and 7s. 1½d. respectively. Earnings for 40 hours will therefore be £16 18s. 4d., £14 8s. 4d., £16 15s. 0d. and £14 5s. 0d. in these cases. Information about actual levels of weekly earnings is not available.
The recent increase of 7½ per cent. in wage rates is the third stage of a long-term agreement of which the first stage came into operation in February, 1966. The second stage of the agreement was deferred during the period of severe restraint but deferment of the third stage was not required under the terms of Cmnd. 3235.