§ 43. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any comparison of real wages, having regard to the cost of living, as they were in the railway industry when previously fixed and as they are to-day after 2½ per cent. reduction voluntarily agreed to by the unions?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe 2½ per cent. reduction took effect on 13th August and sufficient time has not yet elapsed for an average cost of living index, free from seasonal variations, to be obtained for comparison with the average prior to that date.