Written question asked by Peter Bradley (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 March 2004. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 March 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) families and (b) children in (i) the UK and (ii) The Wrekin he estimates have been lifted out of poverty by the minimum wage. - Inc figures.

Answer: Peter Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) families and (b) children in (i) the UK and (ii) the Wrekin he estimates have been lifted out of poverty by the minimum wage. [164053] Mr. Pond: The information is not available. The national minimum wage, together with tax credits, has helped to make work pay, with guaranteed minimum incomes for those in employment. From October 2004, when the minimum wage increases to £4.85 per hour, a single earner couple with one child, working full time (35 hours per week) on a minimum wage will have an income of £252 per week.

Secondary information