§ 86. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the 21 per cent. wage increase for women recommended by the Retail Food Trade Wages Council.
§ Mr. BryanAt a meeting on 21st January the Retail Food Trades Wages Council for England and Wales formulated proposals for increasing the weekly statutory minima by 28s. for men and 40s. for women. For the main grades the new minimum rates proposed are £13184W 10s. for men and £11 10s. for women per week of 42 hours.
The Council is required under the Wages Councils Act to publish its proposals and to consider any representations concerning them before submitting them to my right hon. Friend. Until these statutory procedures have been completed it would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to make a statement.