§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the expected increase in earnings and rates arising from the recent settlement between the Draughtsmen and Allied Technicians Association and the Upper Clyde shipbuilders in respect of draughtsmen; what other settlements have been concluded giving similar increases to draughtsmen; and if such terms fall withing the Government's incomes policy.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe average increase in rates will be just over £2 per week and it is expected that the average increase in earnings will be about the same. While we have received details of other local settlements giving increases to draughtsmen, it is difficult to make valid comparisons with the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders settlement which is a scheme to rationalise the wages structure of five shipyards in return for productivity concessions. This settlement is now being considered against the criteria for prices and incomes policy.