§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the minimum wage in other EC countries; which EC countries have a minimum wage of £180 per week equivalent; what assessment he has made of the effect of these minimum wages on jobs and the economy; and if he will make a statement. [23692]
§ Mr. OppenheimThe table gives the most up-to-date information available on national minimum wages in other European Union countries:
Minimum wage level Own currency UK equivalent converted at market exchange rates £ per hour (estimated) Belgium 42,808 BF monthly 5.30 France 35.56 FF hourly 4.60 Greece 4,934 Dr daily 1.70 Luxembourg 42,677 LF per month 5.30 Netherlands 2,163.2 Hfl monthly 4.90 Portugal 52,000 Esc monthly 1.30 Spain 62,700 Pts monthly 1.80 Note:
Table uses latest information available in April 1995. Wage rates converted to UK equivalent using spot exchange rates for May 9 1995.
On the above estimates, on the assumption of a 40-hour working week, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg would have minimum wages of £180 per week or more.
Minimum wages destroy jobs, particularly among young people. This was the conclusion of the OECD jobs study.