§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what was the change in income of the lowest-paid 10 per cent. of the population between 1979 and 1991 expressed in real terms;
(2) what were the average earnings of the lowest-paid decile of the population in (a) 1979 and (b) 1991 in (i) 1979 prices and (ii) 1991 prices;
(3) what was the average income of one-parent families in (a) 1979 and (b) 1991 expressed in (i) 1979 prices and (ii) cash prices;
(4) what was he threshold wage level for the lowest paid 10 per cent. of the population in 1991, expressed in 1979 prices.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 21 July 1993]: Information relating to the threshold level of the lowest 10 per cent. of the earnings of full-time employees, in 1979 and 1991, is shown in the table. Information relating to average earnings within these decile ranges is not available. Information on income for the lowest paid 10 per cent. and for one-parent families, is not available at the level of detail requested.
503W
Lowest Decile of Gross Weekly Earnings of Full-time Employees April 1979 April 1991 Males Females Males Females £ £ £ £ Earnings at current prices 60.6 40.1 152.0 115.9 Earnings expressed in 1979 prices 60.6 40.1 62.0 47.3 Sources: The New Earnings Survey and the general index of retail prices.
Notes:
1. Relates to employees on adult rates of pay (men aged 21 and women aged 18, or over, in 1979) whose pay was not affected by absence.
2. Based on a 1 per cent. sample of employees on PAYE schemes.
3. Combined information for males' and females' pay deciles is not available for 1979.