§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the percentage increase in earnings negotiated by representatives of his conciliation department for employees of BP at Grangemouth; whether this increase is in conformity with counter-inflation legislation; and whether the arbitration body which is to examine outstanding claims in the Grangemouth dispute will be bound by the terms of such legislation in reaching its conclusions.
§ Mr. Albert BoothIt is estimated that the improved shift allowance agreed between BP management and the Transport and General Workers Union for implementation from September 1974 represents an increase of about 4 per cent. on current earnings and conforms with the Pay Code. However, it is the Government's intention to abolish the statutory pay controls and any subsequent arbitration award would not be bound by counter-inflation legislation.