Mr. TERRELLasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the latest period for which the Board of Trade can obtain returns as to the earnings of colliers in the South Wales steam coalfields; what is the average amount earned by colliers during that period per week and per day, and the average number of hours worked by such colliers during such period per week and per day; and have such colliers' wages risen or fallen since the end of such period?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe Board of Trade do not receive returns of the actual earnings and hours of labour of coal miners. Information as to changes in the standard rates of wages is regularly received, however, and is published in the "Board of Trade Labour Gazette." The latest change affecting coal miners in South Wales and Monmouthshire was an increase of 15 per cent, on the basis rates, taking effect from 1st June. This change raised the rates of wages to 40.83 per cent, above the standard rates of 1915