§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she is aware that the hourly earnings of British workers is between 1 per cent. and 3.3 per cent. below those paid in the Common Market countries; and what action she proposes to take to increase the hourly earnings of British workers to assist British entry into the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe figures quoted by the hon. Member relate to the rate of increase of earnings between 1960 and 1968, not to the level of earnings. I do not think any special action to raise earnings in the United Kingdom is called for in connection with our application to join the European Communities.