HC Deb 24 February 1969 vol 778 cc193-4W
46. Mr. Body

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity by how much average earnings in the road haulage industry in the East Midlands Region have risen during the past 12 months; and what she estimates has been the increase in productivity achieved by the workers concerned during this period.

Mr. Harold Walker

Between October 1967 and October 1968 average weekly earnings of adult men in the road haulage industry in the East Midlands Region rose by 26s. 9d. which represents 6.l per cent. Average hourly earnings rose by 4.2d. or 4.5 per cent.

Corresponding information concerning the increase in productivity is not available.

47. Mr. Body

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what steps she plans to take to carry out the recommendation of the National Board for Prices and Incomes in their report on productivity agreements in the road haulage industry that as her Department develops its advisory activity on productivity, attention should be paid to the road haulage industry; and what priority she intends to give to this recommendation.

Mr. Harold Walker

My officers are giving urgent attention to this recommendation. Approaches have been made to both sides of the road haulage industry and the services of my manpower advisers are available to advise local firms.