§ 38. Rear-Admiral BEAMISH (for Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE)asked the Minister of Labour what are the rates of wages in the carpet factories of Czechoslovakia; and how do these compare with the average of the wages for similar work in force in this country?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)As regards Czechoslovakia, have no later information that that obtained by the International Labour Office in 1929, which was forwarded to the hon. Member. With regard to Great Britain, I have no recent information as to the earnings of comparable classes of work-people in the carpet industry, most of whom are paid on a piece-work basis. In these circumstances I am unable to make the comparison desired.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHIf the House desires to get that information could not the right hon. Lady actually get it?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI have given all the information I can. It is a question whether it is available in the country concerned.
§ Captain WATERHOUSEHave we not Consuls in these countries, and is it not their most important function to collect information?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThey can hardly collect it unless it is compiled.