We have heard surprisingly little recently about what a menace the minimum wage is to society and how it will be the end of civilisation as we know it. Its success has left detractors bereft of any plausible detracting to carry out. As the Low Pay Commission said, the minimum wage has meant a pay rise for many young people while not affecting their employment opportunities, and it is young people with whom we are concerned this afternoon. Further regulations will be brought before the House in due course to achieve that. However, I shall not yield to the temptation to crow, unless provoked.
Sedentary interventions are always to be deplored and normally encourage hon.
Members to speak for longer than they intended. I remind those who may agree , that although the minimum wage has been successful, part of the secret of its success is our cautious approach. I wish to clarify a matter. Friend will wait a moment. I am coming to that.