asked the Minister of Labour whether wage rates have been increased in the leather and fabric glove industries, respectively; and, if so, by what amounts?

I understand that in individual cases higher wages have been given in the glove industry, but I am not aware of any general increase in the wage rates. With regard to fabric gloves the Joint Industrial Council for the Glove Making Industry agreed in December last to delete from the Trade Agreement the Clause, which has been in operation since 1923, allowing the payment of minimum rates 12½ per cent. less than the minimum rates laid down for the Leather Glove Section. The question of the adjustment of piece rates to conform with this decision was left for local negotiation.

If the rates have not been increased, what becomes of the argument that safeguarding raises wages?

In the first place, that question does not arise out of the original question, and, in the second place, owing to the busy-ness of trade, wages have already increased in certain industries.

Does not the reply show that safeguarding in the fabric glove industry has not only increased employment but has raised the standard of wages in that industry, and were not wages reduced by 12½ per cent., owing to trade conditions, before safeguarding was introduced?

There is no information available as to the wages increases as a whole, but in certain cases there have been increases, and the lower minimum for fabric gloves has now been removed.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by individual cases? Does he mean individual firms or workpeople at individual firms?

I think it is the same as certain rates in the engineering trade. I am not certain how far I can get detailed information.

Was it in spite of safeguarding or because of it?

Is it not a fact that in the safeguarded industries there has been a very considerable increase in employment?

That is so.