§ 63. Mr. Liddallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, as a result of the high rates of wages paid to labourers in the Trinidad oilfields, these workers have become increasingly dependent upon tinned food, the price of which has recently risen to a small extent, but that the cost of living of other workers in the island, who mainly consume local products, has not increased; and for what reason he approved the recent action of the Governor in raising the wages of public works employés by 20 per cent. and in recommending that this example should be followed by all other employers in the island?
§ Sir A. Lambert WardMy right hon. Friend has received no direct information on the subject dealt with in the first part of this question. With regard to the second part of the question, he approved the action of the Governor in increasing the wages of certain Government employés and in recommending that this example should be followed by other employers in the island since this course was recommended by the Governor after full consideration of local circumstances at the time. The general question of rates of wages in the Colony and their settlement on a more permanent basis will, no doubt, be taken into account by the Commission which my right hon. Friend subsequently decided to appoint.
§ Mr. PalingCan the hon. and gallant Member say what is the connection between high rates of wages and tinned food?