§ Mr. Jaggerasked the Minister of Labour how the present level of wages in industry generally compares with the levels which 1359W prevailed at the corresponding dates in 1931 and 1934, respectively?
§ Mr. E. BrownOn the basis of the information in the possession of my Department, relating mainly to the rates of wages fixed by collective agreements or by statutory orders, it is estimated that the average level of full-time weekly rates of wages at the beginning of November, 1937, was about 6 per cent. higher than at the corresponding date in 1931, and about 8 per cent. higher than at the corresponding date in 1934. These figures take no account of changes in actual earnings resulting from reductions in short-time working, or increased overtime, as to which statistics are not available, but in view of the improvement in employment, the average increase in actual earnings since 1931 must have been considerably more than the figures stated.
§ Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Labour the index figures for the cost of living and wage rates, both as at November, 1937, using November, 1924, as 100; and whether wage rates are higher or lower to-day than at any time since 1924, using in every case the London and Cambridge Economic Service index numbers?
§ Mr. E. BrownI do not think my Department should take the responsibility of making these calculations on the basis suggested by my hon. Friend. The statistics compiled by the London and Cambridge Economic Service are issued to subscribers, and I understand that the service is prepared to answer inquiries made by subscribers.