HC Deb 22 July 1981 vol 9 c138W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of the employee population he estimates are currently paid wages below those approved by the wages council; and how this figure compares with the position in 1974.

Mr. Waddington

It is not possible to make a valid estimate of the proportion of the employee population paid below the wages council minima because the only information available is derived from establishments inspected and these do not form a representative sample. Inspections tend to be most concerned with areas where underpayment is most likely to be found.