HC Deb 29 November 1920 vol 135 cc892-3
53. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average wages paid to German workers before the War and the average of the same wages being paid to workers now; and, consequent on the collapse of the exchange, the value in sterling of the product of their work imported into this country in competition with the product of our own workpeople who are receiving from £4 to £5 per week?

Sir R. HORNE

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that no statistical data are available on which a comparison of wages in Germany before the War with corresponding wages at the present time could be legitimately based. The total value in sterling of the imports into the United Kingdom registered during the first nine months of the current year as consigned from Germany was £20,647,000. Of this total £17,191,000 represented the value of articles wholly or mainly manufactured. I am unable to say what part of the total relates to commodities competing with the products of our own workpeople in receipt of wages ranging from £4 to £5 per week.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the "Labour Gazette" published recently it was stated that the increase of wages to the German people since the War shows a greater percentage—in some cases 200 per cent.—over and above that given in Great Britain?

Sir R. HORNE

I am not aware of that fact.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

Is it not a fact that the difference in the value of money far exceeds any difference in the question of wages, and that competition is absolutely impossible against German goods?

Sir R. HORNE

Such information as I have, although it is not of the statistical nature I would desire to give in answer to a question in this House, goes to show that the rise in wages in Germany has not been nearly so great in proportion, and in relation to the increased cost in this country.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

May not the case be the other way with a shilling at a penny?

Sir R. HORNE

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by "the other way," but the fact is the depreciation in the mark has not been met by the relative rise in wages.

Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERY

Having regard to the great importance of this question, cannot my right hon. Friend cause inquiries to be made so that a statement may be issued?

Sir R. HORNE

I am trying to get the information as rapidly as I can.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the information which he has?

Sir R. HORNE

I should like to publish information upon which the House can thoroughly rely.

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