HC Deb 18 June 1997 vol 296 c223W
20. Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate the has made of the number of jobs that will be lost in Wales as a result of increased employment costs arising from the minimum wage and social chapter. [2613]

Mr. Hain

We will ask the Low Pay Commission, before it reaches a recommendation on the level at which the National Minimum Wage might be set, to take into account all the economic circumstances, including its likely impact. I will not speculate about the possible effects of hypothetical levels before the Commission has had a chance to consider the issues. Current Social Chapter directives do not impose significant burdens on business.