10.—Depression of Wages and Its Causes in the Cotton Industry [Report of Committee on Orders in Council, 1812 (III),pp. 218 and 267-272], 1812.
Thursday, May 14, 1812.
Evidence of James Kay (cotton and woollen manufacturer, of Bury).
What used to be the price of cotton per piece in 1807?—I took out the manufacturing prices for three years before 1807, and four years since. Those are minutes from your own books?—Yes, in May, 1805, for the quality goods called Blackburn supers we gave six shillings; in May, 1806, we gave the same; in May, 1807, we gave the same; in November, 1807, we dropped them to 5s. 6d.; in December, 1807, to 5s.; in January 1808 to 4s. 6d.; in May 1808 they were at 4s.; it was at the time they were very much distressed, and rioting. In May, 1809, we gave 4s., in March, 1810, we, gave 7s.; in April, 6s.; and in May the same. In May, 1811, we again gave 4s.; and at the present time we give 4s. 6d.
Evidence of Jeremiah Bury (cotton manufacturer of Stockport).
Friday, May 15, 1812.
What might a man make at weaving, in the year 1810?—A man weaving plain work, in the year 1810, might make probably from 12s. to 15s. a week.
At plain work now what may a person earn?—The same man now would not make more than ten or twelve shillings.
What might a man in full employment, in 1810, make in spinning?— ... I apprehend that a man might make from fifteen to twenty-five shillings a week in spinning.
What will the same man make now?—I think a man now might make from thirteen or fourteen to eighteen shillings.