asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will increase the size of the Council of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to include representatives of both small businesses and the consumer.

My right hon. Friend is currently consulting the Confederation of British Industry about the appointment of three members to the ACAS Council with effect from 1st September and will take into account any views it may have on the representation of small firms. I believe that the Coun- cil is sufficiently representative to ensure that consumer interests are taken into account.