§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked if the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of publishing a report on the comparative course of wages in Britain, Germany, America, and France in recent years; and if he can now definitely promise that this work will be at once put in hand?
Mr. BUXTONThe materials available for the preparation of a report on the comparative course of wages in the four countries referred to by my hon. Friend have been carefully examined. The data are very incomplete and the difficulties involved in international comparisons of wages are great and as at present advised therefore, the Board of Trade are not prepared to do more than continue to notice in their various publications such official information as is available from time to time as throws light on this question.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked if the right hon. Gentleman can state the trade union rates of wages for compositors in London and Berlin, respectively, for the years 1906 and 1910, with the percentage increase in 1910 over 1906 in each case?
Mr. BUXTONThe minimum time rate of wages of adult male compositors in 1906 and 1910 was 39s. for a working week of 52½ hours. The minimum time rate in Berlin of male compositors over twenty-four years of age for a week of 54 hours was 27s. 8d. in 1906 and 30s. 9d. in 1910, the increase in rates of wages thus being 11 per cent.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPECan the right hon. Gentleman give the percentage of increases for twenty-five years back?