HC Deb 22 October 1991 vol 196 cc617-8W
27. Dr. Twinn

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the effect of a national minimum wage in other countries in the European Community; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Howard

In the European Community only France and Spain have a single statutory national minimum wage as proposed by the Labour party. Even in these countries there are reduced rates for young workers and some special groups are excluded.

Every assessment of the effect of minimum wages shows that it damages employment opportunities.