Mr. öpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the impact of a minimum wage in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [37266]
§ Mr. IngramThe Government have appointed the Low Pay Commission to gather evidence, assess it and make recommendations in relation to the National Minimum Wage. The Commission visited Northern Ireland in October for that purpose. My Department has also contributed fully to the UK-wide Government evidence presented to the Commission. The Commission has received the recent NIEC report on the extent and nature180W of low pay in Northern Ireland. The report shows Northern Ireland to be significantly more affected by low pay than other UK regions. The National Minimum Wage will therefore have particular importance for Northern Ireland.