§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many weeks it has taken her Department to assess the salary increase awarded to clerical staff of Massey Ferguson Limited against the requirements of incomes policy; what is the result of that assessment; what is the estimated percentage increase in productivity arising from the settlement; and what has been the estimated annual percentage increase in productivity of these employees during the past three years.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe company first notified my Department that a settlement had been reached on 21st February; the company provided further information in writing on 7th March and 10th April and at meetings with officials on 2nd, 8th May and on 5th June. The agreement is still under consideration and at this stage I cannot give any further information.