§ Dr. David Owenasked the Minister of State for Defence when he expects to pay Government industrial workers, employed in the Royal dockyards and in other establishments, the improved wages, following the arbitration award; and, in view of the fact that the award is backdated over many months, during which there has been a substantial further rise in the cost of living, whether he will take steps to ensure payment at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe majority of Ministry of Defence industrial employees will receive the new rate with wages paid in the week ending 1st December and the remainder the following week. The arrears from 1st July will be paid at the same time or shortly thereafter.