§ 60. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Secretary for Mines the earnings per shift of adult coal-getters in Great Britain and the Ruhr in 1913 and at the end 13f April, 1928, respectively?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)The average earnings per shift of adult coal-getters in Great Britain in June, 1914, which is the only pre-War period for which such figures are available, were 8s. 8d., and for all classes of workers 6s. 6d. In March, 1928, the latest period for which information is available, the average earnings for all classes of workers were about 9s. 4d. a shift. The earnings of adult coal-getters are higher than this, but to what extent is not precisely known. In the Ruhr coalfield the average earnings per shift of adult coal-getters were 6s. 7d. in 1913, and 9s. 4d. in the last quarter of 1927. These figures are exclusive of the value of allowances in kind.
§ Mr. PALINGIn making these calculations, have the huge deficiencies which have accumulated in nearly all colliery districts been taken into account?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir; I do not see how that affects the actual earnings per shift.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that under the agreements these deficiencies have to be paid back, and are regarded as a debt owing to the coalowners?
§ Commodore KINGI am dealing with the earnings received by coal-getters.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODDoes it not follow that the conditions that the German miners now have are better than before the War, and does not that indicate that the Germans have won the War and that we have lost the War?
§ Commodore KINGIf the hon. Member will look at the- answer, he will see that the conditions in this country have improved also.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODNot in the same ratio.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that, while the earnings of the English miners have increased by 1s. 3d. per day between 1913 and 1928, they have improved from 6s. 7d. to 9s. 4d. in Germany, while the German miners are working one hour per day less than the British miners, and does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that justifies the taking of some steps by the Government?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir; I cannot admit that the German mine-workers are working less hours. If the hon. Member will refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Shinwell) on the 15th of last month, he will see the conditions stated.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that the German working day is one of eight hours from bank to bank, while our miners work eight hours plus one winding time, which makes nine hours?
§ Commodore KINGAt many pits they are working nothing like that time.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIn many pits they are.