§ 72. Mr. ALBERYasked the Minister of Labour if she can give any comparative figures regarding the wages paid to cement workers in Belgium and in this country?
§ Mr. LAWSONFor Belgium, the latest available information relates to 1929, when the rates of wages were reported as varying between 36 and 52 francs per day of eight hours, exclusive of family allowances which were paid in addition. Some workers on piece work were stated to earn higher amounts. It is understood that increases in wage rates have been granted in some districts since 1929. For Great Britain, the only information in my possession relates to the actual earnings of all classes of workpeople in the industry in the week ended 27th October, 1928, which, according to returns supplied to the Ministry of Labour, averaged 61s. 5d., inclusive of the effect of short time and of any overtime worked.
§ Mr. ALBERYWill the hon. Member try to get some really comparative figures in regard to this class of work?
§ Mr. LAWSONWe have given the hon. Member the latest figures at our dis- 1768 posal, but, if there are other facts that he desires to know, we shall be pleased to do what we can in the matter.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it really a fact that the hon. Member's Department cannot get later information than the Belgian figures for 1929 and our own country for 1928?