§ Miss KirkbrideTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact of the minimum wage on employment in the tourism industry. [50772]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeThe Government are confident that the National Minimum Wage will improve the quality of service in the tourism and hospitality industry. We share the views of the independent Low Pay Commission; and the Chief Executive of the British Hospitality Association who said that the initial rate recommended by the Commission is
broadly within the range acceptable to the industry".