§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the evidence on which he based his assertions in the wages councils 1988 consultative document that the decline in youth unemployment is a direct result of young persons' removal from wages councils remit in 1986.
§ Mr. NichollsThere were indications from employers that their freedom to offer jobs at rates they could afford had resulted in the engagement of young people who would not otherwise have been recruited. It follows that this has contributed to the decrease in youth unemployment.