§ 83. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to state which safeguarded industries have been able to raise the wages of the workpeople employed in them since protective duties were applied to them; and to what extent have the weekly wages been increased?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThere has been an increase in the wages of workpeople in the packing and wrapping paper making industry, of which the hon. and gallant Member was given particulars on 4th July last. Apart from this, information is not available as to whether the wages of workpeople in the safeguarded industries have been increased.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHow is that that the hon. Gentleman can give an answer with regard to the one industry and not with regard to others? 1026 Does it not tend to show that there is only a slight increase in workpeople's wages in this one minor industry as a result of safeguarding?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The only information we have is where there has been an alteration in the wage agreement and notice of it has been given to us. We have no further information.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHave you observed, Sir, that when answers are favourable to certain policies of the Government they are always forthcoming, but when they are not favourable they are not forthcoming?
Mr. BECKETTDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that it would be well to examine the wage conditions in these industries before the Government recommend any extension of safeguarding?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat is an entirely different point from that raised in the question.