HC Deb 17 October 1975 vol 897 cc822-3W
Mrs. Ann Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are employed in agriculture; what is this number as a percentage of the total labour force; what were the equivalent figures for 1950, 1960 and 1970; and from international sources available to him, if he will publish in the Official Report details of the corresponding figures from the United States of America, each EEC country, Sweden and Japan.

Mr. Bishop

I have been asked to reply.

The estimates available on a consistent basis since 1960 for agriculture in the United Kingdom are as follows:

pay settlements made since the imposition of the £6 pay limit he estimates have been at £6; and what percentage below the limit.

Mr. Foot

On the information about settlements available to my Department, I estimate that some 95 per cent. of employees covered by settlements made since 1st August have been at or just below £6, with the remainder at a lower figure. In addition, five wages councils, covering some ½ million employees, have agreed proposals for increases in statutory minimum remuneration at or just below £6, and one council covering some 500 employees at a lower figure.

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