§ Mr. Pattieasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will introduce legislation to regularise the working conditions, hours of work and rest periods of casual waiting staff, presently within the jurisdiction of the Unlicensed Places of Refreshment Wages Council.
§ Mr. BoothWages Councils have recently been empowered under the Employment Protection Act to fix terms340W and conditions of employment in addition to remuneration, holidays and holiday pay. The councils are independent statutory bodies, and it is for them to decide how to use their powers. My right hon. Friend has no power to direct the councils, and it would not be consistent with our aim to increase the independence and effectiveness of wages councils to take such powers.