§ Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Minister of Transport what is the increase in the cost of living since the settlement of the railway strike last year; and how much railwaymen's wages have been increased above the basis laid down in the settlement on account of the increased cost of living since then?
§ Mr. NEALThe cost of living index figure in January, 1920, from which the final settlement operated, was 125. At the last revision of the sliding scale bonus, at the end of September, the figure was 161, and the men covered by the general agreement are now receiving the approximate bonus of 7s. per week. This is in addition to the increases granted in June in accordance with the findings of the National Wages Board.