asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can state the rates of wages paid in the several grades of work performed in the following industries, viz.:—woollen and tweed manufacturing, bootmaking, readymade clothing, flour-milling, and furniture and bedstead manufacturing, in the Saorstát, and the comparative rates of wages for similar work in similar grades in Northern Ireland and England.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WAGE COMPARISON.
The information asked for involves a good deal of investigation and tabulation. Wages figures are supplied to my Department by many individual firms on a confidential basis and can only be published where it is possible to show an average or representative rate. I have arranged for the preparation of the desired information, so far as it is available to my Department, and will supply the Deputy with a statement embodying this information as soon as it is completed. Having regard, however, to the variations in wage rates, not only between one country and another, but between one district and another and even between one establishment and another, inferences from such a statement must be drawn with caution.
Will the Minister see that the statement to be supplied to me will be issued to the other Deputies?
When the Minister is supplying this information would he state the county in England and Wales he is making comparison with when dealing with flour-milling, bedstead manufacturing, furniture and bootmaking?
I am afraid that I could not give the information according to areas. That, I fear, would destroy what I have mentioned in the reply. There must be shown an average or representative rate, and that must be prepared so as not to disclose information supplied in confidence. If what the Deputy requires is possible, while still preserving the confidence, I will see what can be done.
Will the Minister point out that the average rates will depend on the quantities manufactured and the weeks of employment?
Any inferences that may be drawn must be drawn with great caution.
Will the Minister have this information published in the official records of the House?
He can make a return.
I will arrange that if possible.