HC Deb 02 April 1925 vol 182 cc1567-8W
Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Labour what was the figure representing nominal wages in the month of January, 1924, compared with 1914.; what was the cost of living and what were the real wages; and whether there has been any increase or decrease in real wages since the last General Election?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The in formation available as to wages in 1914 and in January, 1924, is not sufficient to permit a precise comparison to be made of the relative levels of either money wages or real wages in industry generally at the two dates; moreover, the reduction

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

During the Insurance years 1919–20 to 1923–24, the amount of unemployment benefit paid, and contributions received under the Unemployment Insurance Acts is as follows:

in working hours in many industries between the two dates and the greater prevalence of short time and unemployment at the later date affect the comparison. It is estimated, however, that in those industries in which wages were standardised by collective agreement between employers' organisations and trade unions, the average level of weekly full-time wages was approximately 65 to 70 per cent. higher at the beginning of January, 1924, than in July, 1914. The percentage increase in hourly rates was considerably greater. The average increase between these two dates, in the cost of maintaining the pre-war standard of living of working-class families, as indicated by the Ministry of Labour index number, was approximately 77 per cent. "Real" wages for a full week have not changed appreciably, on average, since the last General Election; the average level of weekly full-time money wages, in the industries for which information i, available, is estimated at 70 to 73 per cent. above the level of July, 1914, both at the end of October last and at the present time, whilst the Ministry of Labour cost of living index number was approximately 80 per cent. above the prewar level at 1st November, 1924, and 79 per cent. above the pre-war level at 28th February, 1925 (the latest date for which it has been computed).