§ 29. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will consider holding an inquiry into wage rates for workers of the different Malayan communities both in Government or private service; and why Indian labourers are paid less than Chinese for the same work.
§ Mr. George Hall:There is in Session in Malaya a Wages and Cost-of-Living Committee which has issued an interim report recommending temporary allowances, which has been approved, for workers of all races in Government employment. Pri 76W vate employers are expected to follow the lead of Government, whose policy is to encourage the development of effective trade unions and wage fixing machinery. Wages are based broadly on equal pay for equal output irrespective of race. No employer pays more on account of race but Chinese frequently earn more than other labourers by their higher skill and greater output.