§ Mr. STRANGERasked the Minister of Labour the average wage paid to mechanics in the motor trade in England and in the United States of America?
§ Mr. SHAWStatistics are not available as to the average wages of mechanics in the motor trade in England, but the district tunic rates of wages for engineers' fitters and turners in the principal centres of the trade range from about 54s. to about 61s. for a week of 47 hours. In the United States the trade union rate of wages of fitters and turners in automobile works in May, 1923, the latest date as to which information has been published, ranged from 32½ to 50 dollars for a week of 50 hours. The hon. Member will appreciate that both the above are time rates and that, both in this country and in the United States, the earnings of men on piece work, etc., will tend to be higher than the rates quoted.