§ Barbara FollettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to examine the effects on women of benefits lost due to their earning less than the national insurance lower earnings limit; and if he will make a statement. [58377]
§ Mr. DenhamWe have announced a number of measures to help women in low-paid employment, including the Working Families Tax Credit and the national minimum wage. Data from the Labour Force Survey indicated that about 700,000 women will be floated above the lower earnings limit as a result of the national minimum wage, assuming there is no change in the number of hours they work. As part of our programme of welfare reform we are considering the best way of delivering support to all those who need help through the social security system, including low-paid women.