HC Deb 04 March 1980 vol 980 cc108-9W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the most recent available figures showing the national minimum wage for a 40-hour week in each of the United States of America, Canada, Australia, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy as a percentage of average earnings in each of those countries.

Mr. Jim Lester

The latest available information, for each of the countries which have national minimum wages set by legislation, is given in the following table.

Because of differences in timing and frequency of revision of minimum wages and differences in definitions, coverage

NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE FOR A 40 HOUR WEEK AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE GROSS WEEKLY EARNINGS OF MANUAL WORKERS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
USA Canada* France Belgium Netherlands
Percentage … … … … 41† 37† 62† 66‡ 77‡
Earnings relate to … … … December 1979 September 1979 October 1978 October 1978 October 1978
Corresponding minimum wages effective from 1 January 1979 26 November 1978 1 September 1978 1 September 1978 1 August 1978
Sources:
Statistical Office of the European Communities.
United States Embassy.
Canadian High Commission.
Notes:
* The statutory minimum wage rate is set at the level of the lowest provincial minimum wage.
† Based on minimum hourly wage rates.
‡ Based on minimum monthly wage.