HC Deb 21 May 1912 vol 38 cc1742-3
Mr. HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that foreigners can subsidise their manufacturers with the object of assisting them and of giving them an advantage in competition with British and Irish manufacturers for contracts within the Indian Empire as long as fair wages are paid, he can say whether these conditions apply to the other Crown Colonies and to the United Kingdom; and how he finds out whether foreign manufacturers pay fair wages?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)

I have no information with regard to the Crown Colonies, but with regard to the United Kingdom would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me to my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Manchester, on 28th July, 1910, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. HUNT

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether, if the Chinese and Japanese are paid 1s. a day for making similar goods, for which our men are paid 5s., that would be fair wages?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of details.