HC Deb 26 June 1930 vol 240 cc1325-6
14. Major BEAUMONT THOMAS

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage the average wage of French iron and steel workers bears to the average wage of British iron and steel workers?

Miss BONDFIELD

The average weekly earnings of workpeople in the iron and steel industry in Great Britain in March last, according to statistics issued by the National Federation of Iron and Steel Manufacturers were 62s. 4d. In the report published to-day of the delegation on the industrial conditions in the iron and steel industry in certain countries of the Continent the average weekly earnings of workpeople in the iron and steel industry in France at the beginning of this year are given as 37s.

Major THOMAS

Can the right hon. Lady say whether the Government will take any steps to deal with the importation of an article which is produced under conditions such as these?