HC Deb 08 December 1977 vol 940 c815W
18. Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the distinction between wage rates and earnings in the context of the Government's pay guidelines.

Mr. Healey

Any given rate of earnings increase implies a significantly lower rate of increase in basic wage rates. The rate of increase in earnings takes account of overtime, job changes and other factors.