Written question asked by Lord Hardy of Wath , in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 1996. It was answered by John M Taylor (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What action he is taking to persuade employers to increase rates of pay.

Answer: Mr. Hardy: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to persuade employers to increase rates of pay. [40145] Mr. John M. Taylor: Pay is a matter to be resolved by the employer and employees concerned in light of local circumstances, without Government intervention. The Government's role is to create the conditions for a growing economy and to remove barriers to employment. Our policy of keeping inflation and interest rates at low levels is aimed at securing an improved standard of living for all. Since 1979, pay at all levels has increased in real terms.

Secondary information