§ 17. Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of workplaces and workers were inspected by the wages inspectorate divisions covering the United Kingdom in the latest available year.
§ Mr. CopeA total of 8.7 per cent. of the establishments on the wages inspectorate register covering 329,591 workers, which is an estimated 13.1 per cent, were inspected in 1988.
§ Mr. McAllionWill the Minister explain to the House the standards which this Government apply to the question of law-breaking? On the one hand, the Government put in place a very severe system of penalties, fines and surcharges for those who cannot afford to pay the poll tax; on the other hand, the Government virtually ignore employers who break the law and illegally enforce low wages on workers who are already exploited. Is it a case of no law for the rich and vicious laws for the poor?
§ Mr. CopeOn the contrary, we have improved the position. I have already said that 97 per cent. of workers are now paid at least the minimum due, and that is a higher percentage than a few years ago.