HC Deb 29 October 1979 vol 972 c402W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of the number of adults, distinguishing between men and women, with a basic wage of less than (a) £50 and (b) £45.

Mr. Jim Lester

The following estimates relate to gross weekly earnings—excluding overtime earnings.

Number of full-time employees whose pay in April 1979 was not affected by absence
Gross weekly earnings (excluding overtime earnings) of men aged 21 and over:
Millions
Less than £45 0.2
Less than £50 0.3
Gross weekly earnings (excluding overtime earnings) of women aged 18 and over:
Less than 45 0.9
Less than £50 1.5

Source: New Earnings Survey, Department of Employment Gazette, October 1979, Table 14.