HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 c482W
Mr. McAllion

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to combat low pay; and if he will make a statement. [37294]

Mr. John M. Taylor

The improved performance of the British economy since 1979, particularly the huge increase in productivity and low inflation, has allowed for significant increases in real wages at all levels, including the lower paid. This is in direct contrast to the late 1970s when low productivity meant that increases in earnings fed through to higher prices and increased inflation.