-2- both sides of the industry by an Agreement, dated 20th April, 1944, ###ich was to govern wages in the industry, at least until 30th June, ###48. The latest estimates of the additional cost of production sulting from this agreement are as follows:- Estimated Annual cost £. (iv) (v) Increase in piece-workers' rates 5,000,000 Increase in minimum wage of skilled craftsmen 500,000 (vi) Increase in minimum wage of special classes of workers 1,750,000 Total (iv) to (vi) (Government Proposals) 7,250,000 GRAND TOTAL (i) to (vi) (Porter Awards and Government Proposals) £18,750,000 In accordance with the suggestion of the Committee I made a ###atement to the House of Commons on 21st April about this Agreement, ### the course of which I made it clear that the Government, in ###ranging for the increased wage under (vi) above, looked for an ###crease in output sufficient to ensure that the cost of that ###justment should not fall as an added burden on the consumer; and I dded that if there was a material increase in output during the next ix months, and a resulting reduction in the cost per ton, the overnment would be prepared to consider the use of part of that saving ### improve the position of some of those classes of workmen who were not, nder the Agreement, given an increase in their shift wage, subject to he understanding that part also of any such saving must be reflected n reducing the cost to the public.