HC Deb 02 March 1973 vol 851 cc469-70W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average weekly wage in Scotland at the latest available date; and what it was in June 1970, or the nearest available date.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The latest information available is derived from the regular October inquiry into the earnings and hours of manual workers.

Average weekly earnings in Scotland of men, aged 21 and over, in the industries covered by the inquiry were £34.93 in October 1972 and £27.04 in October 1970.

Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Employment by what percentage the average weekly wage in Scotland is greater or less than that in England and Wales at the latest available date; and what were the comparable figures for June 1970, or the nearest available date.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The latest information available is derived from the regular October inquiry into the earnings and hours of manual workers.

In the industries covered by the inquiry, average weekly earnings of men, aged 21 and over, in Scotland were 2.8 per cent. less than those in England and Wales in October 1972 and 4.2 per cent. less in October 1970.

Comparisons of average earnings for different areas are affected by influences such as variation in the pattern of industry and they may not therefore give a precise indication of differences in earnings for comparable work.

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