HC Deb 14 March 1935 vol 299 cc559-60
57. Mr. LYONS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the current rate of wages of 8d. per day, less deductions for maintenance, now being paid to female hosiery workers in Japan; and whether, in view of the importations into this country from that source, he proposes to initiate effective steps, by any measure of prohibition, to safeguard the British hosiery worker and to protect the home market for the home maker against such foreign competition?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Such information as I have on this subject suggests that the rate of wages paid to female hosiery knitters in Japan may be higher than the figure mentioned by my hon. and learned Friend. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer to the replies which I gave to his questions on the 26th February and 13th November last.

Mr. LYONS

In view of this very low wage, and of the increasing figures of unemployment in the hosiery trade, is the House to understand that this industry is to be left at the mercy of this foreign competition now that negotiations with Japan have broken down?

Mr. WEST

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar wages are paid in British ships to coloured seamen?

Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, unless something is done on the lines indicated in this question, there is a prospect of wholesale unemployment in the hosiery trade in this country?

Captain STRICKLAND

Will the right hon. Gentleman also inform the House what the level of wages is? Will he give figures showing how much higher the wages are?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid I could not do that without notice. With regard to the question of the hon. Member for North Newcastle (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), the procedure under the Import Duties Act is, of course, open to this industry, and I have no doubt that they will take full advantage of it.

Mr. LYONS

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, on the prices paid to the workers in Japan, and the prices charged for their commodities, tariffs recommended by the Import Duties Advisory Committee on a percentage basis would be absolutely without effect? In view of the unsatisfactory position, I beg to give notice that I shall take the earliest convenient opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.