HC Deb 21 June 1979 vol 968 cc696-7W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish a table comparing average earnings in each member State of the European Economic Community, in January 1979 or at the latest available date, and expressed in local currencies, in European units of account, and in £ sterling.

Mr. Jim Lester

The latest information is given in the table below.

Because of differences in national definitions and methods of compilation, the

AVERAGF GROSS HOURLY EARNINGS OF MANUAL WORKERS* IN APRIL 1978
National currency European units of account Pounds sterling
United Kingdom 1.67 £ 2.47 1.67
Belgium 184.00 Bfr 4.62 3.13
Denmark 40.17 DKR 5.72 3.87
France 16.69 Ffr 2.91 1.97
Germany (Federal Republic) 11.68 DM 4.58 3.09
Ireland† 1.57 £ 2.39 1.57
Italy . . . . . .
Luxembourg 217.0 Lux fr 5.45 3.69
Netherlands 12.63 Fl 4.63 3.13
Sources:
Statistical Office of the European Communities.
Irish Industrial Inquiries.
* Males and females in manufacturing, mining, quarrying and construction industries.
† March 1978, excluding construction.
. . Not available.