§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value of wages and salaries in May 1970 and each year, respectively, up to the latest convenient date for which this information is available, in real terms ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NottMonthly figures for total wages and salaries are not available. Quarterly estimates of wages and salaries in money terms up to the end of 1972 will be found on pages xxii and xxiii of the October 1973 issue ofEconomic Trends. The latest figures for the first three quarters of 1973 are given in the table below. Separate estimates for wages and salaries respectively are not available. Between the second quater of 1970 and the third quarter of 1973 total wages and salaries in money terms increased by 43½ per cent. while the General Index of Retail Prices increased by 29½ per cent.
Wages and salaries (seasonally adjusted) £ million 1973 1st quarter 8,950 2nd quarter 9,250 3rd quarter 9,545