HC Deb 22 February 1999 vol 326 cc98-9W
Mr. Rowlands

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the inward investments to Wales since 1992 to which the Invest in Britain Bureau contributed. [72295]

Mr. Wills

Between the years 1992 and 1998 my Departments Invest in Britain Bureau were significantly involved in 18 projects into Wales. The following list includes only those projects where the company has not requested commercial confidentiality and is based on information provided by the companies at the time of the announcement of the decision to invest in the UK—it takes no account of subsequent developments.

Mr. Ian McCartney

The draft National Minimum Wage Regulations, which were laid before Parliament on 16 February, provide an exemption from the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 for work carried out, where the worker is living as a member of the employer's family. Overseas nationals in the UK under the Au Pair scheme, who undertake light household work and various childcare duties, and are treated as members of the host families, clearly fall within this category.

Where au pairs, or any other worker, live in their employer's household and do not fully enjoy such benefits, the national minimum wage will still apply.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to issue guidance to those employing au pairs on the implications of the national minimum wage. [71971]

Mr. Ian McCartney

Detailed guidance on the application of the national minimum wage will be published shortly along with leaflets for employers and workers. It will be widely publicised and available from the helpline number—0845 8450 360.