HC Deb 07 May 1931 vol 252 cc580-1W
Sir G. BOWYER

asked the Minister of Labour whether the real value of wages has fallen or increased during the last 12 months and, if it has fallen, by how much?

Miss BONDFIELD

At the beginning of April, the latest date for which figures are available, working-class cost of living, as indicated by the index numbers compiled by the Ministry of Labour, averaged approximately 6½ per cent. lower than a year earlier and weekly full-time rates of wages averaged about 1 per cent. lower.