IN RELATION to the impact of minimum wages on employment levels, Richard Bridge (Letters, August 18) hasn’t taken notice of the resurrected quotation by his fellow Labour activist that there are lies, damn lies and statistics.

It is immaterial what I might think of wage rates paid in supermarkets. They are not going to take any notice of my opinion. No one is forced to work for them just as no one is forced to shop there. If Mr Bridge thinks an alternative enterprise can succeed which does not return profits and consequently pays higher wages, there is nothing to stop him utilising his much-heralded business experience to create it.

Matthew Laverack, Architect of this parish, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.