(1)This section shall have effect for the purpose of securing that earnings factors relevant to the calculation of the additional component in the rate of any long-term benefit maintain their value in relation to the general level of earnings obtaining in Great Britain.
(2)The Secretary of State shall in each tax year review the general level of earnings obtaining in Great Britain and any changes in that level which have taken place since the last review under this section; and for the purposes of any such review the Secretary of State shall estimate the general level of earnings in such manner as he thinks fit.
(3)If on any such review the Secretary of State concludes that earnings factors for any previous tax year (not being earlier than the first tax year for which lower and upper earnings limits are specified under section 1 above) have not maintained their value in relation to the general level of earnings he shall prepare and lay before each House of Parliament the draft of an order directing that those earnings factors shall, for the purpose of any such calculation as is mentioned in subsection (1) above, be increased by such percentage of their amount apart from the order as he thinks necessary to restore their value.
(4)Subsection (3) above shall not require the Secretary of State to direct any increase where it appears to him that the increase would be inconsiderable.
(5)If on any such review the Secretary of State determines that he is not required to prepare and lay the draft of an order as aforesaid he shall instead lay before each House of Parliament a report explaining his reasons for arriving at that determination.
(6)If a draft order laid before Parliament in pursuance of this section is approved by resolution of each House the Secretary of State shall make the order in the form of the draft.
(7)The first review under this section shall be in the second tax year for which lower and upper earnings limits are specified under section 1 above ; and in relation to that review subsection (2) above shall have effect as if for the reference to the last review there were substituted a reference to the beginning of the first tax year for which those limits are so specified.