§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has reached a decision on the future of the wages councils; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardI have decided not to proceed with the abolition of the councils for the present. However, the consultation exercise showed that our concern about their adverse effects is widely shared by employers, who have confirmed the Government's view that the system should have no permanent place in the labour market. I therefore intend to keep its operation under close review.