HC Deb 04 December 1973 vol 865 c341W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Employment why average earnings rose at an annual rate of 12.2 per cent. between October 1972 and September 1973, in view of the provisions of stages 1 and 2 of the counter-inflation policy.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

In addition to the effects of settlements reached during stage 2 the increase since October 1972 includes the effects of settlements implemented just before the standstill and of provisions of some pre-standstill agreements, in engineering and construction for example, implemented after the standstill. It also includes the effect of increased overtime working and of movements towards equal pay, etc., permitted under the pay code but not subject to the general stage 2 formula.