HC Deb 09 May 1933 vol 277 cc1366-7W
Colonel BURTON

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate amount which would be paid in wages to the 3,800 miners for whom the German Agreement may find work; the approximate amount of wages which would be lost to the 1,800 workers who may be displaced under such agreement; and the approximate amount which would accrue to such displaced workers through unemployment benefits or any form of public assistance?

Sir H. BETTERTON

According to the latest figures available, the average earnings of miners in Great Britain per shift, including allowances in kind, was 9s. 7d. in the quarter ended 31st December, 1932, and the average number of shifts now being worked is about 4½. I cannot, however, estimate the amount of wages involved, as I do not know from what district or districts the coal in question will be supplied, and the wages vary in the different districts. As regards the 1,800 persons who, as stated by my right. hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, might be affected if the duties had their maximum effect, the available particulars are insufficient

Description. Unit of Quantity. Quantity. Declared value.
1931. 1932. Jan.-March. 1931. 1932. Jan.-March.
1932. 1933. 1932. 1933.
£ £ £ £
Jute yarn lb. 1,034,816 1,418,252 326,601 302,115 11,667 14,178 3,714 2,836
Jute manufactures (other than cordage, cables, ropes and twine):—
Piece goods Sq. yd. 1,118,486 2,862,473 325,723 650,074 13,173 34,021 4,192 8,068
Cwt. 4,972 14,659 1,612 3,515/
Jute carpets and rugs Sq. yd. 12,001 14,223 4,377 11,848 689 1,201 283 803
Cwt. 125 220 58 170
Made up jute goods:—
Sacks and bags, empty, new. Doz. 3,157 26,650 1,842 2,020 759 8,332 345 1,027
Cwt. 214 3,322 127 446/
Other sorts Cwt. 20,643 10,908 2,576 8,484 21,525 22,011 4,571 13,423