§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council what was the average increase in earnings between June 1976 and February 1978; and to what extent Members' salaries would have to be raised if they had received the same average increase in their salaries.
§ Mr. FootThe Index of Average earnings* increased by 16 per cent. in the period June 1976 to January 1978—the latest date for which figures are available. Applying this percentage increase to the parliamentary salary as at 13th June 1976 produces a figure of £7,030.
* Older series—unadjusted for seasonal changes.