§ Sir Ian Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make arrangements to ensure that wages councils properly consider the effects of any awards made in 1978–79 on prices, employment and the competitiveness of the businesses concerned.
§ Mr. John GrantWages councils are independent bodies and I have no power to direct them as to how they carry on their negotiations. All councils have, however, been supplied with copies of the White Paper "Winning the Battle Against Inflation", Cmnd. 7293.
§ Sir Ian Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department will investigate the effects on prices, employment and competitiveness of awards by wages councils which are significantly in excess of the Government's pay guide-lines.
§ Mr. John GrantNo.