§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take measures to improve the minimum wage rates for the poorest workers.
§ Mr. AlisonMinimum rates of pay in the wages councils industries are a matter for the councils. Elsewhere, the Government believe that pay is a matter for negotiation between employers and employees, or their representatives. More generally it is the Government's view that the standard of living of workers depends on the level of economic performance.