§ 83. Dr. David Owenasked the Minister of Labour whether he has now completed his examination of Report No. 27 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes concerning the proposals of the Retail Drapery, Outfitting and Footwear Trades Wages Council; and when he expects to deal with the related voluntary settlements in the retail trade, and the proposals of other wages councils already submitted to him.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe National Board's Report was considered by the Retail Drapery Council on 13th March and the Council decided to submit its proposals to my right hon. Friend without amendment. These proposals were originally formulated in November, 1966, and my right hon. Friend has today made an Order to give effect to them from 22nd May. Orders are similarly being made to give effect from the same date to proposals of other Waves Councils which have been held up pending the Board's Report.
Employers will be advised that the legal effect of the Order relates only to the minimum rates and that it is the Government's view, having regard to the con- 16W tinuing requirements of the prices and incomes policy, that increases designed to meet the needs of lowest paid workers should not be paid to workers already receiving more than the new minima, except to the extent that this is necessary to avoid distorting an existing wages structure based on individual responsibility, merit or performance.
With regard to the related voluntary settlements notified to the Ministry, my right hon. Friend is advising employers and unions that effect may be given to the increases they have agreed, subject to a similar proviso regarding increases above the minimum rates.