§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will study the financial and economic impact for the United Kingdom of universal monthly or fortnightly payments of wages; what estimates are available of the savings involved; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what estimates are available of the savings to United Kingdom industry and business if wages were universally paid monthly or fortnightly; if he will initiate discussions with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanThe Government believe that there are a number of advantages in employees receiving their pay monthly or fortnightly, rather than weekly, and also through a bank account rather than in cash. These advantages would include savings to industry and business, and a resource gain to the economy overall, as 59W well as benefits to employees. Many of these advantages are, however, somewhat difficult to quantify. As was stated in another place on 30 April, the Central Policy Review Staff has prepared a discussion document on these matters, which is due to be published in the summer. During the preparation of this report the CPRS had discussions with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry. The Government hope that these bodies, along with other interested bodies, will let the Government know their views in commenting on the CPRS discussion document.