§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what efforts the Government are making or planning to redress to the problem of low wages in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ButlerThe Government believe that the most important way of solving the problem of low pay is through a general improvement in the Province's economy. The Government's programme emphasises the creation of circumstances from which solidly based economic growth can arise and more prosperous firms emerge. In Northern Ireland this programme is given particular emphasis by the activities of the Industrial Development Board and the Local Enterprise Development Unit in promoting industrial and commercial development and additional employment opportunities. Meanwhile wages councils operate to protect those who are most vulnerable and most likely to receive low pay.