§ Mr. REMERasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the value of the imports of silk manufactured goods, including embroidery and apparel, from Italy during 1923; and what is the hourly wage paid to the Italian silk worker; and how many hours were worked per week during the same period;
(2) what is the value of the imports of silk manufactured goods, including embroidery and apparel, from France during 1923; what is the average hourly wage paid to the French silk workers; and how many hours were worked per week during the same period.
Mr. WEBB, pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 4th March, 1924, Col. 1151, Vol. 170), furnished the following answer:
The imports in 1923, of silk manufactures, including those of silk mixed with other materials if known as "silks," which were registered as consigned from. Italy were valued at £1,953,903, and, as consigned from France at £9,382,430. These figures are exclusive of the value of silk embroidery and apparel, for which particulars are not available.
The information at present available to me with regard to wages and hours of labour of silk workers in Italy and France is as follows:
1638W
Milan. lire per diem. Time wages of adult male— silk weavers 15 to 20 throwsters or spinners 15 Time wages of female— silk weavers 16 to 17 throwsters or spinners 8.75 to 9.25 Employés working on piece-work, as is generally the case with weavers, may earn from 10 to 20 per cent. more than when paid by time.
The hours of labour are 48 per week.
Lyons.
Time wages of adult female silk weavers (men are not often employed in this occupation) = 15 to 20 francs per diem. Some firms grant family allowances in addition to wages.
The hours of labour are 48 per week.