§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations his Department has made to the Department of Trade and Industry on the impact of the national minimum wage on activity holidays; and if he will publish them. [88454]
§ Janet AndersonWe have received a number of representations from the tourism and hospitality industry on the national minimum wage, including some from the activity holiday sector, which we have passed on to the Department of Trade and Industry. The industry had good and productive discussions during 1998—99 with the independent Low Pay Commission and the Government subsequently set the National Minimum Wage at the sensible level recommended by the Commission.
The Government have asked the Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the impact of the introduction of the national minimum wage. The Commission will welcome views from tourism and hospitality operators on the impact the new legislation is having in practice.