HC Deb 23 February 1956 vol 549 cc570-1
53. Mr. John Hall

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the increase in purchasing value of the average industrial wage between 1945 and 1951 and between 1951 and 1955.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry Brooke)

Average weekly earnings of industrial wage earners shown by Ministry of Labour inquiries were £4 16s. ld. in July, 1945, £6 16s. 2d. in April, 1951, and £9 2s. 3d. in April, 1955, a rise of 42 per cent. between 1945 and 1951, and 34 per cent. between 1951 and 1955.

The Consumer Price Index, adjusted for particular months by means of the Interim Index of Retail Prices, shows a rise of 32 per cent. between 1945 and 1951, and 16 per cent. between April, 1951, and April, 1955.

On the basis of these figures, and taking no account of changes in direct taxes or benefits received, the purchasing power of average earnings rose by 71½ per cent. between April, 1945, and April, 1951, and 16 per cent. between April, 1951, and April, 1955.

Mr. Hall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that both sides of the House will—I hope—join in welcoming this evidence of the rapid increase in the prosperity of the industrial workers which has taken place under Conservative administration?

Hon. Members

Oh.

Mr. Brooke

I agree with my hon. Friend that these are striking and important figures.

Mr. Albu

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since 1945 the percentage by which dividends have risen is greater than that by which wages have risen? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Yes.