§ Mr. Tom KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what research has been commissioned and what estimates have been made by his Department, and what information presented to him, regarding the costs per annum to local authorities in England of the introduction of a minimum wage at(a) £3.50 an hour, (b) £4 an hour and (c) £4.40 an hour; and if he will make a statement; [2123]
(2) what research has been commissioned and what estimates have been made by his Department, and what information presented to him, regarding the costs per annum to the Department of the Environment budget of 404W the introduction of a minimum wage at (a) £3.50 an hour, (b) £4 an hour and (c) £4.40 an hour; and if he will make a statement. [2124]
§ Mr. RaynsfordI refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on Monday 9 June 1997,Official Report, column 310.