§ 12. Mr. BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people in the west midlands are receiving half or less than half of male average earnings.
§ Mr. McLoughlinAround 190,000 men, including those working part time.
§ Mr. BurdenDoes the Minister accept that the figure is far too high? Is he aware that more than half the employees in public services in the west midlands are low paid and that, in the coming year, when the Government savage public expenditure, the number of people on poverty pay in the west midlands will increase? Will the Government change their mind and introduce a national minimum wage?
§ Mr. McLoughlinThere we have it—an incredible about turn. I thought that even the Labour party had learnt that the concept of a national minimum wage had received a no from the electorate. I find the hon. Gentleman's remarks odd, coming from a member of the party which voted against the introduction by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of a lower 20 per cent. tax band. Labour Members like to see people earning low wages and paying high taxes.