HC Deb 23 June 1948 vol 452 cc1334-5
17. Dr. Haden Guest

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the present rates of wages in Singapore for the following classes of workers: civilian labourers and labourers employed by Government Departments, including Navy, Army and Air Force, respectively; and how these rates compare with those prevailing in December, 1947.

Mr. Creech Jones

I am obtaining the required information regarding civilian labourers and labourers employed by the Civil Government from the Governor of Singapore. As to labourers employed by the Navy, Army and Air Force I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friends who are responsible for those Service Departments. I will write to the hon. Member later.

Dr. Guest

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether there is any truth in the statement which appeared in the Press recently that labourers in Singapore have been getting as much as £4 per day?

Mr. Creech Jones

I think that is very unlikely.