§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if he is aware that the average weekly earnings, and average hourly earnings, in manufacturing in Yorkshire and Humberside are among the lowest in the country while the average hours worked is almost the highest, and that the average gross earnings of women in civil employment for the same region is the lowest; and what steps he intends to take to correct this situation.
§ Mr. BryanI am aware that Yorkshire and Humberside is among the less well paid regions. The reasons for regional differences in earnings are complex and largely outside the control of the Government.