HC Deb 04 August 1975 vol 897 cc93-4W
51. Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment which of the following countries operate a statutory minimum wage: France, Germany, Eire, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and the USA.

Mr. John Fraser

The following table shows the numbers of unemployed males and the numbers of unfilled vacancies for males at employment offices and careers offices. The vacancy figures relate only to vacancies notified to these offices and are not a measure of total vacancies. The vacancies notified to employment offices are mainly for adults aged 18 and over but include some vacancies for persons under 18. Vacancies notified to careers offices are mainly for boys and girls, under 18 years of age, but include some vacancies suitable for adults. Because of possible duplication the vacancy figures for employment offices and careers offices cannot be added together or used separately, or to provide the ratios requested.

Mr. Booth

Statutory national minimum wage systems at present operate in France, the Netherlands and the United States of America.