27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what research his Department has commissioned into the removal of wages councils.
58.
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what research his Department has commissioned into the rates of pay set by statutory wages councils.
I refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the hon. Member for Halifax (Mrs. Mahon) on 21 July 1989, Official Report, column 390.
42.
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received concerning his plans to abolish the wages councils.
I refer to the hon. Member to the replies given to my hon. Friends the Members for Mid-Kent (Mr. Rowe) on 21 March, Official Report, columns 555–56, for Luton South (Mr. Bright) on 28 July, Official Report, column 1037, and to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 23 March, Official Report, columns 798–802.
68.
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on research he has commissioned into the effects of removing young people from wages council protection.
There is clear evidence in studies both in the United Kingdom and internationally on the link between pay and jobs, especially for young people. These findings are supported by indications from employers that their freedom since 1986 to offer jobs at rates they can afford has resulted in the engagement of young people who would not otherwise have been recruited. Further research is therefore unnecessary.