HC Deb 11 December 1922 vol 159 cc2338-9
5. Mr. HANCOCK

asked the President of the Board of Trade the wages cost of producing a ton of coke, a ton of ordinary iron, and a ton of finished steel, respectively, for the years 1913 and 1921?

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

I regret that I am unable to furnish figures showing the proportion of total wages to output in the case of the products named in the question.

Mr. HANCOCK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar information has been given on previous occasions and for a number of years?

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

No, Sir. I am not. I am always anxious to give information and never withhold it if it is possible to give it, but when this question came before me, I asked if it was possible for my Department to procure it, and was informed that it was not. If I can do better, I will let the hon. Member know.