§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on plans for operating the national minimum wage. [101509]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThe Government asked the independent Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the operation of the national minimum wage, with particular reference to its impact on pay, employment and competitiveness in low paying sectors and small firms. I look forward to reading the Commission's findings, which will be included in their report to the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State later this month, and we will consider carefully the recommendations it makes.