HC Deb 21 November 1983 vol 49 cc8-9
9. Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what subjects were discussed when he last met the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission committee for Wales.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

We reviewed progress on a wide range of the commission's responsibilities and activities within Wales.

Mr. Davies

When the Secretary of State next meets the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission in Wales, will he raise with him a report that was recently published by the Low Pay Unit suggesting that in about 5 per cent. of all vacancies being advertised the wages are below the legal minimum, as established by the wages councils? Will he undertake to conduct a survey of all jobcentres in Wales to determine the extent of this practice and to make his findings public?

Mr. Edwards

I shall be meeting the commission's committee for Wales on 9 December, and I shall put that point and ask the committee for its views.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a little more flexibility might enable the MSC's job creation programmes to achieve even better results? I refer particularly to the social survey that has been operated by the Colwyn borough council, which had to be broken off midway because it ran into the 12-month barrier.

Mr. Edwards

I shall discuss that point of detail also with the committee for Wales.

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