HC Deb 23 April 1970 vol 800 cc137-8W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she is aware that the Conservative Central Office has recommended its constituency political parties to increase the pay of its agents by 20 per cent. to a scale ranging from £1,000 to £2,400 per annum; whether these increases, as recommended in September last, were in accordance with the Government's prices and incomes policy; and whether they were discussed with her Department.

Mr. Harold Walker:

Yes. The recommendation involved a major restructuring of scales last revised in September, 1965 and increases up to a maximum of 20 per cent.

ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF EMPLOYEES IN EMPLOYMENT
(Thousands)
Scotland Fife
Males Females Total Males Females Total
June, 1960 … … 1,349 757 2,105 80 33 113
June, 1961 … … 1,351 764 2,116 80 33 114
June, 1962 … … 1,358 775 2,134 79 34 113
June, 1963 … … 1,331 771 2,102 76 34 111
June, 1964 (a) … 1,346 786 2,133
76 35 110
(b) … 1,339 782 2,121
June, 1965 … … 1,342 797 2,139 76 36 112
June, 1966 … … 1,332 810 2,143 73 39 112
June, 1967 … … 1,302 798 2,100 72 39 111
June, 1968 … … 1,279 807 2,086 71 41 111
June, 1969 (a) … 1,274 817 2,091
— — —
(b) … 1,278 820 2,098

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she is aware that Labour Party agents on a salary scale of £1,000 to £1,400 per annum are requesting a rise of £260 per annum; and whether she will give an assurance that, as these workers are paid well below the national average for this type of work, she will, under the Government's prices and incomes policy, allow this increase to be paid without delay.

Mr. Harold Walker:

My right hon. Friend is aware that claims have been made for increases considerably lower than the amount mentioned and does not propose to intervene.