HC Deb 20 March 1967 vol 743 cc182-3W
54. Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the National Board for Prices and Incomes' report on the retail trade's employees' wages.

57. Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the award recommended by the Retail Drapery Wages Council, and upon his policy regarding the future of wages councils generally in the light of the recommendations and comments of the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Hattersley

The Council's proposals and the Report of the Board raise a number of important issues which are under examination. Discussions with the organisations in the trade have been initiated to consider the Board's proposals for limiting increases to lowest paid workers.

As regards the future of Wages Councils generally, my right hon. Friend proposes to await the Report of the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations, which has received evidence on this subject.