§ 60. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour the number of wage earner and wealth producers who have received reductions in wages and salaries during, the year ending 31st March, 1923; what was the total of those reductions during the same period; the estimated number who had wage reductions; and the total estimated amount of such reduction from 31st March to 22nd July, 1923?
§ Sir M. BARLOWIn the industries for which statistics are compiled by the Ministry of Labour, the total number of wage earners whose wages were reduced in the year ended 31st March, 1923, so far as reported to the Department, was nearly 7,400,000. The aggregate net reduction in the weekly full-time rates of wages of these workpeople during that period was approximately £3,000,000. Statistics are not yet available as to the effects of the reductions from 31st March to 22nd July, 1923, but from the former date to the end of June nearly 2,000,000 workpeople are reported to have had their rates of wages 1711 reduced by about £230,000 per week. Particulars are not collected as to reductions in the remuneration of salary earners. It should be noted that the figures quoted relate in the main to organised groups of wage earners, and do not include agricultural labourers, domestic servants, police, shop assistants, clerks, or Government employés, as to whom complete statistics are not available.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the figure of £3,000,000 mean £3,000,000 a day?
§ Sir M. BARLOWNo, a week.
§ Mr. THORNERubbish!
§ Mr. LANSBURYCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how it comes about that, with these continual reductions of wages and the reduction in the cost of production, trade comes to be in its present parlous condition?