HC Deb 05 June 1997 vol 295 c235W
20. Mr. Sutcliffe

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans her Department has to introduce a national minimum wage. [674]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The Gracious Speech set out the Government's intention to bring forward legislation for the introduction of a national minimum wage. We are already moving to set up an independent Low Pay Commission to advise the Government on the level at which the minimum wage might be introduced.

33. Mr. Amess

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent representations she has received on the likely effects of the minimum wage and social chapter on Britain's trading prospects. [690]

Mr. McCartney

I have received a number of representations on the minimum wage and social chapter. Employers in every industrial sector support the principle of a national minimum wage. By rejecting an "empty chair" policy on the social chapter, we will enable the UK to use its influence to ensure that European measures promote labour market flexibility and maximise employability.