HC Deb 11 November 1954 vol 532 cc1383-4
20. Mr. Fell

asked the Minister of Labour the average weekly earnings of full-time agricultural workers in Britain and of industrial workers in Britain, respectively, taken over a year, to the last convenient date.

Sir W. Monckton

The latest available information about the average weekly earnings of full-time agricultural workers and of industrial workers in Britain will be found in the September, 1954, issue of the Ministry of Labour Gazette.

21. Mr. Fell

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate average weekly inclusive cost of rent, food, rates, light and heat, to agricultural workers in Britain and to industrial workers in Britain, respectively, taken over a year, to the last convenient date.

Sir W. Monckton

I regret that the information desired is not available.

Mr. Fell

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that, if it were possible, it would be very helpful to have these figures, because one cannot make a sensible estimate of the difference between industry and agriculture without some such figures to go on?

Sir W. Monckton

None of the material for comparison exists now, but it is quite possible that the 1953 household expenditure inquiry, the result of which is on its way, will produce something from which a comparison of that kind, if necessary, can be drawn.