asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will estimate the likely reduction in employment in the retail trade as a result of the introduction of the revised proposals NF (7) from the retail trade (non-food) wages council.

Estimates of any effects on employment of proposed changes in wages councils' minimum rates are not available. I am, however, concerned about the employment implications of wages councils' orders, and I have written to all members of the retail councils on this point.