§ 45. Mr. KINLEY (for Mr. BECKETT)asked the Prime Minister whether the fall in wages during the past year has been considered by the Cabinet; and whether, in order to safeguard the home market, any action is to be taken to prevent further decreases in purchasing power?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDONALD)His Majesty's Government are watching with close attention every phase of the economic depression, including the downward tendency of money wages. Speaking generally, however, rates of money wages have fallen less than the cost of living, so that fortunately there has been no reduction in the purchasing power of wages over commodities.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that over 3,000,000 workers are now threatened with wage reductions and, in view of that fact, will the Government introduce legislation to prevent a lowering of their standards?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat raises a different point from the original question, but it is covered by the answer I have given.
§ Mr. KELLYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that every one of the proposals for reduction is totally unwarranted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll I am asked to do in the question is to consider whether any action could be taken to prevent further decreases in purchasing power?
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the average reduction in the wages of co-operative society employés is only 2½ per cent. less than that of any other class of workers?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question on the Paper.