40. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement that the miners' demand is only for a living wage and the machinery by which a living wage shall 1230 be assured; and what is the weekly sum at the present time which would represent a living wage for a family of five persons, of whom one only is earning, and who are content to make some uses of imported meat, margarine, and the consumption of more vegetables?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)I have been asked to reply. The weekly sum that would represent a living wage for such a family would vary considerably with the circumstances of the individual families, and with the view taken of essential and non-essential expenditure. Having regard to the wide differences of opinion which are known to exist, I should not feel justified in making an official pronouncement on this subject.