HC Deb 07 October 1931 vol 257 cc1088-9
14. Mr. HAYCOCK (for Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONE)

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any statement regarding the emergency decree issued by the German Government and the declaration by the German Ministry of Labour of a 7 per cent. wage reduction in the Ruhr coalfields with a view to cheapening German coal as a counter to the expected revival of British trade competition?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Foot)

Under Emergency decrees, dated 27th September and 30th September, the German Minister of Labour has declared binding an arbitration award reducing wages in the Ruhr coalfield by 7 per cent. for the period 1st October, 1931, to 30th November, 1931. While this award follows shortly after the abandonment in this country of the Gold Standard, I would point out to the hon. Member that, in anticipation of the expiry in September of the wages agreement, negotiations in which the owners pressed for a reduction in wages, had been in progress since June last.

Mr. HAYCOCK

Does the hon. Member think there is very much hope for the workers of the world if this kind of thing continues?