§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that during 1970 wages in the European Economic Community increased on average by 14 per cent., and in Italy by 18 per cent., and West Germany by 15 per cent.; and whether, as a means of assisting Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, he will take whatever action may be open to him to encourage wage increases up to an average of 14 per cent.
§ Mr. BryanThe percentage increases quoted by the hon. Member are preliminary estimates made by the European Commission and no official figures covering the whole of 1970 are yet available. As regards the second part of the hon. Member's question, I would refer him to the reply I gave him on 10th December, 1970.—[Vol. 808, c. 157–8.]