asked the Taoiseach how the present rates of incomes in this country in respect of industrial workers compare with the rates obtaining in EEC countries in terms of relative money values.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Workers' Incomes.
2.
A valid comparison of relative money values between different countries would require a very detailed investigation based on consumption patterns and relative prices for principal consumption items in the different countries. In the absence of such a detailed study only crude comparisons can be made using official exchange rates and published data on average earnings.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing the latest available data on rates of earnings and hours worked by industrial workers in manufacturing industry in this country and the latest corresponding figures for EEC countries in so far as it is possible to derive them from available material published by the Statistical Office of the European communities. It should be borne in mind that the validity of comparisons of figures of this kind may be impaired by divergences in the content of the data. The overall average figures reflect the structure of manufacturing industry which differs substantially between the different countries.
Following is the statement:
AVERAGE earnings per hour and average weekly hours worked by industrial workers in manufacturing industry in Ireland and in the EEC countries.
|
Country |
Earnings per hour |
Average Hours worked per week |
Period to which data relate |
|||||
|
Males* |
Females* |
All industrial workers |
||||||
|
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
Number |
||
|
Ireland |
8 |
10 |
4 |
8 |
7 |
5 |
42.8 |
December 1969 |
|
6 |
9 |
43.3 |
March, 1969 |
|||||
|
Belgium |
10 |
5 |
7 |
1 |
9 |
7 |
43.7 |
April, 1969 |
|
France |
8 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
1 |
45.8 |
September, 1968 |
|
Germany (Federal Republic) |
11 |
9 |
8 |
2 |
10 |
10 |
44.0 |
April, 1969 |
|
Italy |
7 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
6 |
7 |
44.2 |
April, 1969 |
|
Luxembourg |
13 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
12 |
9 |
43.8 |
April, 1969 |
|
Netherlands |
10 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
9 |
6 |
44.9 |
April, 1969 |
* Including juveniles ...Not available
Notes
(1) Data for EEC countries are derived from report on Social Statistics, No. 8-1969, published by the Statistical Office of the European Communities.
(2) Particulars of earnings in national currencies for EEC countries have been converted to sterling equivalents at the exchange rates current at the periods to which the data relate.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that work has been done in the matter of comparing the position in the matter of the relationship of money values? It is a more valid comparison and that being so, would the Parliamentary Secretary look at the position and see if he cannot use that more valid comparison?
I have given figures which the Deputy might find of interest. They are as accurate as can be obtained in the circumstances.