asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the average percentage increase in wage settlements, excluding efficiency payments, for the 4 million workers under phase 3 up to the end of 1973.

Up to the end of 1973 settlements covering nearly 4 million employees had been received by the Pay Board. The settlements approved or screened by the board at that date covered nearly 2 million employees. Estimates of average pay increases resulting from these settlements are not yet available.