asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the approximate average increase in wages paid to unskilled and semi-skilled labourers and to tradesmen since 1938-39 and (b) the average increase in the cost of the principal materials used in building, selecting any two or three as examples, for the same period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increases in Wages and Costs.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the desired information.
Following is the statement:—
(a) The approximate percentage increases between the beginning of the years 1939 and 1950 in the weighted average hourly rates of wages in 11 principal towns in occupations in the building industry were:—
|
Occupation. |
Percentage increase. |
|
% |
|
|
Carpenter |
69 |
|
Bricklayer |
65 |
|
Mason |
69 |
|
Slater and Tiler |
68 |
|
Plaster |
69 |
|
Painter |
62 |
|
Plumber |
61 |
|
Labourer |
84 |
(b) The percentage increases between October, 1938, and April, 1950, in the wholesale prices of some of the principal materials used in building were:—
|
Material |
Percentage increase. |
|
% |
|
|
Cement |
111 |
|
Sewer pipes |
90 |
|
Flue liners |
112 |
|
Glass |
79 |
|
Asbestos slates |
59 |
|
Plaster slabs and boards |
124 |
|
Hydrated lime |
159 |
|
Iron and steel girders and joists |
186 |
|
Firegrates, ranges, stoves, etc. |
97 |
|
Steel window frames |
135 |
|
Deals, planks and boards |
210 |