§ 55. Sir W. PEARCEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether £1,000,000,000 may be taken as the yearly increase in wages now paid over pre-war figures; and, if not, whether the Board of Trade will give information as to the probable amount?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Bridgeman)My right hon. Friend has been asked to reply to this. The upward movement of wages has been very rapid and extensive, and it is not possible, from the available data, to estimate the aggregate total effect. So far as reported, the changes in rates of wages are given each month in the "Labour Gazette." My right hon. Friend is sending the hon. Member marked copies of certain articles which have appeared in the "Gazette," in which an attempt is made to summarise the details given monthly.
§ Sir W. PEARCEHas the hon. Gentleman, seen one of the leading reviews, in which the figure of £1,000,000,000 is put forward, with much supporting evidence?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have not seen it, but I am not prepared to dispute it at this moment without further information.
§ Mr. ARNOLDCan the hon. Gentleman say what the increase in profits has been as compared with the pre-war standard?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat does not arise out of the question.