§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the reduction in real earnings per hour in the motor vehicle industry relative to the economy generally between 1970 and 1979 and between 1979 and the latest date for which figures are available; and what has been the corresponding change in employment in the industry absolutely and as a percentage of the numbers at the beginning of each period.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe following table sets out the available information on relative average hourly earnings and employment in the motor vehicle industry in Great Britain in 1970, 1979 and 1981.
1970 1979 1984 Average gross hourly earnings of full-time adult male manual employees in the motor vehicle industry as a percentage of those in all industries and services* 130.5 112.5 110.8 Employees in employment in the motor vehicle industry† Number (thousands) 506 461 294 As percentages of: 1970 100 91 1979 100 64 * Based on New Earnings Survey results in respect of a pay period each April. For 1970 and 1979 the figures relate to those aged 21 and over and for 1984 to those on adult rates. † All employees in respect of June each year. There are minor differences in coverage (less than ½ per cent.) because of changes in the industrial classification between 1979 and 1984.