§ 72. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Labour what was the average wage paid in industry in August, 1942; and what was the comparative average wage paid in January, 1944, or on the most recent date available.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. McCorquodale)Statistics which have been published in "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for December, 1942, and February, 1944, copies of which are in the Library, enable a comparison to be made between July, 1942, and July, 1943, in the earnings of manual wage earners in certain industries. The increases in average earnings between these two dates represent the combined net effect of a number of factors, including changes in rates of wages, payment for overtime and night work, payment by results and changes in the proportions of men, boys, women and girls employed in different industries and occupations.
§ Mr. TurtonHas not the increase in the average wage of adult male workers been 8s. a week, between January, 1942, and January,1944?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleWe have not the figures for 1944 yet. We are collecting them.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDid my hon. Friend say that the figures related to February, 1943, or to February, 1944?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleI said they related to July, 1942, and July, 1943.
§ Mr. GallacherHow do the overtime rates compare with the overtime rates of the soldier when he is in active service, and on Sunday work?