HC Deb 16 April 1973 vol 855 cc4-5W
34. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out the total cost of the wage increase offer made by the National Coal Board to the National Union of Mineworkers, including any extra holidays, fringe benefits or pension contributions, and express this as a percentage of the previous total wage cost.

Mr. Emery

The estimated cost in a full year is £28.5 million, or 7.2 per cent. on the wages bill, plus about £3 million or 0.7 per cent. to offset increased pension contributions. There will be no change in holidays because the union did not accept the proposal to consolidate into a complete week five separate days already available.