68. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Labour if arrangements can be made for particulars to be obtained through the British representative in Russia of the 1716 wages paid and hours observed by work-people in the principal trades and industries in Russia; and whether such particulars when obtained and duly authenticated can be published for the information of the House?
§ Mr SHAWConditions in Russia, especially currency conditions, are at present too much in a state of transition, and too diverse to afford any prospect of procuring information as to wages and hours which would have any considerable value for comparative purposes.
Sir F. HALLDoes not the Government think, considering their entering into arrangements with Russia, that it is advisable that the people here should know the conditions under which labour is carried on? May I press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer? On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Am I not entitled to ask a question of that nature and get a reply? [An HON. MEMBER "What about Turkey?"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman seems to be giving us his own view.