§ 31. Mr. G. OLIVERasked the Minister of Labour whether the wages now paid in the lace industry show any increase over the rates operating in 1924; and the amount of such increase, if any, that may have taken place?
§ Miss BONDFIELDNo increase in the general level of rates of wages in the lace industry has been reported to the Department since 1924.
§ Mr. OLIVERDoes not the right hon. Lady think that these figures show conclusively that there is no advantage in 1562 Safeguarding from the operatives' point of view?
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTIs it not a fact that the lace industry was on short time five and a-half hours at the time the duty was imposed, and this was reduced to only one and a-half hours until the Chancellor of the Exchequer made his disastrous statement?