PRESENT RISE OF WAGES 95 



Between 1907 and 1913 ^ wages rose by 70, but this 

 rise was offset by a rise of 7*2 in the cost of living. 

 Again, since the beginning of the war there has been 

 a rise generally of from Ss. to 5s., but this too has 

 been more than counter-balanced by the rise in the 

 cost of living. 



At present, owing to the shortage of labour and 

 the high prices of agricultural produce, wages have 

 in most counties been raised to a fair standard. As 

 to whether they will remain at that level when the 

 war is over opinions are divided. To judge by the 

 evidence given before us, farmers believe that the 

 present rate will be continued after the war, at least 

 approximately, whilst labour representatives are con- 

 vinced that, when several million men are returned 

 to the labour market, the tendency will be for wages 

 to fall. 



31. It appears to us that in default of State action 

 the rate of wages must be mainly regulated by supply 

 and demand, and if there is a surplus of labour after 

 demobilisation of the Forces, it is very unlikely that 

 wages will remain as high as they are during the 

 present period of scarcity, especially if there is a 

 reduction in the demand for labour owing to the fall 

 in the prices of agricultural produce. We have, 

 therefore, asked ourselves if the State would be 

 justified in intervening to ensure that efficient labourers 

 are not paid less than a certain minimum representing 

 a living wage in the district. 



32. From our inquiries it appears that the majority 



1 According to Mr. Rowntree. There are no satisfactory official 

 figures later than 1907. 



