§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the average weekly wage in manufacturing at the start of the present Government's incomes policy; what is the average wage now; and what is the purchasing value of the latter when compared to the former at constant prices.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerMonthly estimates of the average weekly wage in manufacturing industries are not compiled.
Between July 1975 and August 1976, the seasonally adjusted monthly index of average earnings of all employees in these industries increased by 16.7 per cent. This figure relates to gross earnings before tax and social security deductions and covers all categories of employees. Estimates beyond August 1976 are not available. The General Index of Retail Prices increased by 14.4 per cent. over this period.