§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she is now in a position to estimate the percentage increase in rates, earnings, and productivity arising from the productivity plan proposed for employees of Smiths Industries; and how many weeks elapsed between notification and confirmation of the settlement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe agreement covering employees of Smiths Industries, Witney, was signed by the parties on 14th April, 1969, and a copy sent to my142W Department on 23rd April. The company provided further information on 8th and 19th May; on 20th May my Department informed the company that the Government would not object to the implementation of the agreement. I cannot provide the details requested in the first part of the question as, under the provisions of Cmnd. 2808, the information must be regarded as confidential.