HC Deb 29 January 2004 vol 417 c449W
Sir Archy Kirkwood

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make; a statement on his strategy to tackle areas of persistent low pay. [151558]

John Healey

Since its introduction in April 1999 the National Minimum Wage (NMW) has been increased by 25 per cent. to £4.50 per hour for workers aged 22 and over. Together with the NMW, the reforms to income tax and National Insurance Contributions and the introduction of tax credits have boosted in-work incomes for households on low and moderate earnings.