HC Deb 28 January 2000 vol 343 cc368-9W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports he has received from the Low Pay Commission on the impact on unemployment of the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [106524]

Mr. Alan Johnson

The Government asked the Low Pay Commission to examine the effect of the introduction of the national minimum wage, in particular its impact on employment. I received the Commission's report in December and am consulting other Government Departments about the report's findings. Once this consultation is completed, I will publish the report and the Government's response.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received to increase the level of the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [106523]

Mr. Alan Johnson

My Department has received a number of representations on the level of the national minimum wage in recent weeks. As with its introduction, any future changes to the national minimum wage rates will take account of the economic circumstances prevailing at the time.