§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the average earnings of workers employed in the United Kingdom's textile and clothing industries in the years 1979 to 1984; and if he will compare the increase in earnings against changes in the retail price index and increases in the earnings of all employees during this period.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Employment how much the prices of textile and clothing 127W products have increased since 1979, comparing these increases with changes in the retail prices index in the equivalent period.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkClothing — including clothing materials — is a component of the retail prices index. Between January 1979 and January 1985 it increased by 22 per cent. compared with an increase of 74 per cent. in the "all items" index.