§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is now that state of negotiations for wage increases for ship's clerks in the Port of London; and if the employers' proposals are consistent with the Government's incomes policy.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerAn interim productivity agreement for the clerks, providing for an increase of £2 18s. 4d. per week in the basic rate, came into effect on 6th January. In deciding not to prevent implementation of the agreement the Government took account of increased10W productivity since decasualisation; of immediate changes in working practices to ensure greater mobility and more flexible arrangements; and of the need to clear the way for the comprehensive productivity agreement for the clerks which will form part of the second stage of the Devlin modernisation programme.