§ 24. Mr. ForthTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the minimum wage on the competitiveness of British industry; and if he will make a statement. [71622]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe introduction of the national minimum wage will enable companies to compete on the basis of the quality of the goods and services they provide not just on price based on low pay. The minimum wage will help to improve productivity. It will create a better rewarded and more committed workforce, which will encourage investment in training, reduce staff turnover and help raise productivity.
§ 33. Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for monitoring compliance with the national minimum wage. [71631]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyInland Revenue officers will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the national minimum wage and that work will be monitored by means of a service level agreement with my Department. More generally, we have asked the Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the introduction and impact of the national minimum wage.