§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will compare average wages, prices and pensions in 1974 with those in 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe latest earnings statistics relate to December 1978. In the five-year period December 1973 to December 1978, the seasonally adjusted monthly index of average earnings—older series—rose by 118 per cent. The General Index of Retail Prices rose by 108 per cent. in this period. Comprehensive information for average pensions is not available but the standard weekly rate of retirement pensions increased by 150 per cent. between October 1973 and November 1978.