§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment by what percentage wages have risen since February 1974; and if he can give separate percentages in respect of Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe seasonally adjusted monthly index of average earnings of all employees in Great Britain in the industries covered by the old series 249W index increased by about 70 per cent. between March 1974 and April 1977. Earnings in February 1974 were markedly affected by three-day working week and other restrictions. The index covers production industries and some transport and service industries. Corresponding estimates are not available for Scotland or other parts of the United Kingdom. However, the New Earnings Survey indicates that between April 1974 and April 1976 the average gross weekly earnings of full-time men aged 21 and over, in all industries and services in Scotland increased by about 56 per cent. and those of full-time women, aged 18 and over, by about 74 per cent; the corresponding figures for Great Britain were about 51 per cent. and 72 per cent., respectively.