§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what proposals she has received for a wage increase for workers in the bacon curing industry; what bodies notified the claim; what was the estimated percentage increase in rates and earnings expected to arise therefrom; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe employers' side secretary of the Bacon Curing Industry National Joint Industrial Council notified an agreement to increase basic rates of pay by 10s. Od. a week for men. 8s. 4d. a week for women and proportionately for young workers with effect from 28th July, 1968, increases of 4.4 per cent. (men) and 5.1 per cent. (women) on basic rates, approximately 2.7 per cent. (men) and 4.2 per cent. (women) on average earnings. The agreement also provides for the qualifying period for a third week's holiday to be reduced from 15 to 5 years' continuous service.