§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will set out in full details of the wages offer made by the Ford Motor Company to its employees, including any fringe benefits and the cost thereof; and what percentage this represents of the cost of existing wages and fringe benefits.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkThe Ford Motor Company notified me that its offer consists of
- (a) a basic rate increase of £2.40 per week or £2.20 per week with 2 days additional holiday,
- (b) an improvement in pensions of 50 to 65 per cent. and improved retirement arrangements, and
- (c) improved lay-off benefits, the cost of which will be met from the established fund.
The company has estimated the total cost of the offer at £12¼ million per annum.