§ Sir H. CROFTasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the average weekly earnings in the lace industry for the week ended 27th October, 1928, were 37s. 8d., as compared with 34s. ld. for the week ended 18th October, 1923, she can state the increase in real wages in that industry, taking into account the fall in the cost of living; and whether she can supply corresponding information for October, 1929?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe earnings figures quoted in the question show an increase in the ratio of 100 to 110, due to a reduction in the amount of short-time working; and between October, 1924, and October, 1928, the cost-of-living index figure, which, it should be noted, does not relate specifically to lace workers, changed in the ratio of 176 to 166. If these two figures are combined, they show a change in the ratio of 100 to 117.