To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the lowest hourly rate is paid to staff by his Department; how many members of staff based outside London are paid less than £7.20 per hour; and how many members of staff based in London are paid less than £8.30 per hour.

The lowest hourly rate of pay currently paid to a member of staff of the Department of Energy and Climate Change is £9.08 at 30 June 2012. The lowest amount that may be payable is £7.54 outside of London and £9.88 within London.