§ 28. Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the average wage of a workman, over the age of
| — | August, 1938 | August, 1946 | August, 1949 |
| Skilled Tradesmen | 75 cents-$1. 40 | $5.00-$6.20 | $6.20-$8.00 |
| Skilled Workers | 70 cents-$1.00 | $4.50-$5.00 | $5.60-$7.20 |
| Ordinary Workers | 60 cents-75 cents | $4.20-$4.50 | $4.80-$5.80 |
| Manual Workers | 40 cents-80 cents | $3.20-$3.60 | $3.55-$4.05 |
§ The general retail price index, taking 1939 prices as 100, was 586 for the quarter ending September, 1949. Figures for 1946 are not available. It will be seen that, except for some of the highest paid workers, wage rates have risen by a higher percentage than the cost of living as represented by the general retail price index.
352§ 21 years, in Hong Kong in August, 1938, in August, 1946 and in August, 1949, respectively; and how far increases in wage rates have kept up with increases in the cost of living.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsAs there are a number of figures in the reply, I will with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. WyattWill my hon. Friend emphasise to the Administration in Hong Kong that because of the wide disparity between increases in wage rates and increases in the cost of living they should not put down demands for wage increases as Communist propaganda, and that the best way to meet Communist propaganda is to provide decent living conditions for the people?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsAs my hon. Friend will see when he reads my answer, in fact wage rates have risen by a higher percentage than the cost of living, so his suggestion to me does not arise.
§ Mr. HarrisonIs my hon. Friend aware that wage rates and general working conditions in Hong Kong are better than they are in almost any other part of the Far East?
§ Following is the reply:
§ The daily wage rates for the four main categories of worker varied at the times in question between the approximate limits shown in the following table. ($1 Hong Kong = ls. 3d. Sterling.)