To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his policy on (a) exemptions and (b) derogations from the national minimum wage for employees in (i) the tourist industry and (ii) leisure and related industries. [17614]

The Government's intention is to introduce a single national minimum rate. We will set the rate in the light of advice from the Independent Low Pay Commission appointed earlier this year, and taking account of prevailing economic circumstances. Many organisations representing the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors are invited to submit written evidence to the Commission.