HC Deb 02 August 1956 vol 557 c1565
5. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage rise of earnings since 1951.

Mr. Carr

Inquiries covering manual wage earners in manufacturing industries generally and in a number of the principal non-manufacturing industries showed that the average weekly earnings per worker in October, 1955, were about 33 per cent. higher than in October, 1951. Figures for dates later than October, 1955, are not available.

Captain Pilkington

In view of the fact that the rise in the cost of living during this period has been 21 per cent., does my hon. Friend agree that it is the height of irresponsibility for accusations to be made against the Government that they are attacking the standard of living of the workers, as is alleged in some Trades Union Congress resolutions?