§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of a recommendation formulated by the Laundry Wages Council for an increase in the basic rates of female workers; whether it is his policy to regard such workers as falling within the category of lower paid workers; and if he will make a statement in the light of the comments in Chapter 5 of Report No. 20 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on earnings in the laundry industry.
§ Mr. GunterI understand that the Laundry Wages Council, which met on 13th December, formulated proposals for increases in the statutory minima of workers coming within its field of operation. Details of these proposals have not yet been published or communicated to me by the Council and it would be inappropriate for me to make a statement at this stage.