HC Deb 26 March 1935 vol 299 cc1724-5
10. Captain STRICKLAND

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will inform the House as to the current rates of wages per day now being paid to female silk and hosiery workers in Japan; whether these rates are subject to deductions for maintenance; how these compare with wages paid in the United Kingdom; and whether he will consider measures for the more efficient protection of our workers in those industries?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

According to statistics issued by the Japanese Ministry of Commerce and Industry the average daily earnings of female silk and hosiery workers in Japan range from about 8d. to 1s. 5d., and these rates are said to include food allowances, bonuses for quality and output, overtime and night work, but not seasonal payments, payments during unemployment or sickness, retiring or discharge allowances, clothing and lodging allowances, etc. I am informed that the time rate of wages for female workers in the silk industry at Leek and Macclesfield range from 28s. to 31s. 6d. per week of 48 hours, but that no corresponding figure can be given for the hosiery industry, it being understood that the majority of the workers are paid at piece rates of wages, and particulars as to their average earnings are not available. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons) on 13th November and 14th March last.

Captain STRICKLAND

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether he does not consider that this is a matter of urgency and one that ought to be dealt with immediately in order to protect our people against the ever-increasing flood of Japanese goods in the competitive markets in which our goods have to be sold?

Mr. CAPORN

Has the right hon. Gentleman any doubt that the wages paid to our hosiery workers are far in excess of those paid in Japan?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I can express no doubt about those facts, but they ought to be brought out before the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHS

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is paid to the women working in the mines in India to-day?