HC Deb 01 May 1911 vol 25 cc14-5
Mr. STUART-WORTLEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade how long his Department have had in their possession the information on which is based the statement at page VI. of the Report on Cost of Living in American Towns [Cd. 5609] that, whereas the workman's wages are higher in the United States by so much as 130 per cent. than in the United Kingdom, his expenditure on food and rent are higher by only 52 per cent.?

Mr. BUXTON

The figures on which the statement apparently referred to was based were calculated in February, 1911.

Mr. STUART-WORTLEY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Report itself does not show that these investigations began so far back as February, 1909?

Mr. BUXTON

It does, but there are a considerable number of Supplementary Reports to be prepared.

Mr. W. THORNE

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that it is in consequence of the powerful trade unions in America that there are increasing wages?

Mr. BUXTON

There are a good many causes in reference to this matter, and I can hardly state them all in answer to a question.