§ 66. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour if it is his policy that the full implementation of Wages Council awards should only be made to those already on minimum rates; by what means he ascertains the numbers of employees in Wages Council industries earning only minimum rates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FernyhoughCmnd. 3150 sets out the criteria which in the Government's view should apply to pay increases during the severe restraint period.
On the question how far these criteria would permit changes in statutory minimum rates to affect workers in Wages Council industries in receipt of higher remuneration, the Government hope to have the views of the National Board for Prices and Incomes following the 11W reference to them of the increase in statutory minimum rates proposed by the Retail Drapery Wages Council.
As regards earnings in Wages Council industries I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to his Question on 20th December, 1966.—[Vol. 738, c. 266–7.]