§ 33. Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his continuing review of the Wages Council Act 1979.
§ Mr. AlisonWages councils are retained only in trades and industries where there is no other adequate machinery for setting pay. They are independent trade-based bodies with powers under the Wages Councils Act 1979 to set statutory minimum rates of pay, holiday entitlement and certain other conditions. My right hon. Friend is willing to consider the abolition of particular councils or reductions in the scope of councils where statutory protection is no longer needed and to amalgamate councils where appropriate. The operation of the Act is kept under review but there are no plans at present to amend it.