§ 10. Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effects of the abolition of wages councils on employment prospects in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThere is substantial evidence to support the view that a freer wage market would result in more jobs, especially for young people. There is no reason to suppose that these findings do not apply in Wales. Any evidence submitted contradicting this view will be taken into account in our consideration of the responses to the consultative paper.
§ Mr. ThomasClearly, the Secretary of State's Department is innumerate in this area, as in many others, though not that of education. Does he accept that no more than 450 jobs will be created, that they will be low-paid jobs, and that the whole intention of the scheme to abolish the wages councils is to create sweated labour among young people in Wales and elsewhere?
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not accept the hon. Gentleman's figures. I do not know whether they have the smallest validity. The hon. Gentleman will be able to include those figures in the representations that he may make on our consultative paper, and they will be given due weight.
§ Sir Raymond GowerHave wages councils been successful in maintaining high wages?
§ Mr. EdwardsNo, they have not. In addition, they have prevented the creation of many jobs which might otherwise have been brought into existence.