§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will state to what extent over the past few stated number of years the average national wage has increased, on a cumulative or annual basis; to what extent on this basis Members of Parliament's
Percentage increase between April 1974 and April 1979 Average gross weekly earnings of full-time men, aged 21 and over whose pay was not affected by absence* Employees in all industries and services … … … … … … 112.6 Employees in the public sector … … … … … … … 110.7 Annual salary of Members of Parliament … … … … … 53.3† * Derived from new earnings survey, available in April each year. † Salaries of Members of Parliament were subsequently increased in June 1979.