HC Deb 01 February 1972 vol 830 cc108-9W
Mr. Luce

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why the grant to married women students living at home is still at its 1965 level and has not been increased since June, 1970.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The rates applying previously were retained in 1971 only in those cases where the student's husband is able to follow employment. It was considered that there were stronger claims on the funds available for student grants. The grants of all married women with postgraduate studentships were increased, with other grants, in autumn, 1970.

December, 1961 December, 1966 December, 1971
Manufacture of Textiles … … 68,825 101,622 126,502
Garments and made-up goods … … 45,389 75,636 131,435
Total … … 114,214 177,258 257,937

Mr. Lamond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average wage of workers in the textile industry in Hong Kong; and what were the figures for 1961 and 1966.

Mr. Anthony Royle

The average daily wage of workers in the Hong Kong textile industry at the dates indicated was as follows:

  • At March, 1961—HK $7.04 (£0.44)
  • At March, 1966—HK $10.27 (£0.64)
  • At September, 1971 (latest available figure)—HK $18.60 (£1.28).

In addition, there were various fringe benefits which amounted to about 15 per cent. of the wage in each year.