§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consider the introduction of an index of net real earnings—that is, an index of gross average earnings which is adjusted for both inflation and the tax benefits of the typical worker.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe Government recognise that the purchasing power of gross earnings is affected by the increase in prices and by direct taxation and are actively considering the most appropriate statistical presentation of these effects. The Government will set out their proposals in due course.