§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the Government's various actions to control wages, prices, profits and inflation, the Department of Employment's Report dated 29th June, shows that it costs an average family £30.99 per week to live, and that even with wage and salary increases during the last year the average wage level is below this figure; and whether he will call a conference to decide how this situation can be changed.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkAverage weekly household income in 1971 after deducting income tax and national insurance contributions was £2.15 higher than the average weekly expenditure of private households. My right hon. Friend does not propose to call a conference on this matter.