§ 25. Mr. MAXTONasked the Minister of Labour what are the rates of wages paid the artificial silk industry to unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, respectively?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI regret that I am not in possession of the information desired.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs it not very desirable that we should have information about the conditions of labour in industries that are receiving very special privileges from the nation?
§ Mr. SNOWDENHas the right hon. Gentleman no figures with regard to increases or decreases of wages in these industries during the last three years?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI do not think that we have with regard to the silk trade, but I will make inquiries with regard to it if the right hon. Gentleman wishes. I do not think that I have power to get the actual figures for wages, unless they are voluntarily given by the industries concerned.
§ Mr. MAXTONI should like to know if any other Minister of the Crown has information as regards the conditions of labour in a safeguarded industry, or whether the industry having been safeguarded, the interests of the workers are left to chance?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDPerhaps the hon. Member will put down a question to the other Ministers from whom he wishes information. The other Ministers are quite obviously, for one, the Home Secretary with regard to the conditions of industry, many of which conditions come under the Home Office. I am unable to answer for my colleagues.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONDo not the Government regularly publish the changes in the rate of wages paid to the working classes in this country?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI can find that out and let the hon. Member know.
§ Mr. KELLYIs it the practice of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to have an officer attending meetings of these Joint Industrial Councils where they exist?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise.
§ Mr. MAXTONI am in this difficulty, that I realise that the question I wish to put ought to be put to the Head of the Government, and I have some difficulty in knowing who is the Head of the Government at the present time.
§ Mr. MAXTONWould you guide me then, Mr. Speaker, since the hon. Gentlemen opposite seem to have some doubt as to who is leading them at the moment?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Minister of Labour has stated that he will see if he can obtain the information for the hon. Member. If he does not succeed in getting it, I suggest that the hon. Member should apply to the Board of Trade.