§ 9. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will publish figures in connection with Malaya showing the increased cost of living as compared with the increase of wages to native workers.
Mr. Creech JonesIt is officially estimated that the cost of living in Malaya, which has fallen lately, still shows an increase of over 300 per cent. since 1939. The extent to which that rise has been offset by increases in wages varies in different occupations, and I am asking for more recent figures than those in my possession. I will send them to the hon. Member when received.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the Minister say whether there is any comparison between the increase of wages and the increase in the cost of living?
Mr. Creech JonesI can say that the wages of workers in the Malayan rubber industry have more than kept up with the cost of living during the past 19 months. The last increase in wages was on 1st April, 1948.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the Minister give the figures so that the House can judge for itself whether the wages have gone up by 300 per cent. as has the cost of living?
Mr. Creech JonesYes. It is my intention to provide the figures as soon as I get the, most up-to-date ones.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that before the war labourers on plantations were paid half a dollar a day and they are now receiving a dollar and a half, which means that their wages have risen to three times the former amount?