§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what regard is paid to the existence or level of other household earnings in determining government policy on(a) wages council rates and (b) pay agreements negotiated for public employees.
§ Mr. McLoughlinWages councils are independent statutory bodies and Ministers have no power to intervene in their decisions about minimum rates of pay. Pay should reflect individual performance and what is necessary to recruit and retain the right staff, within what can be realistically afforded.