§ 25. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that he is fixing prices for agricultural products, he will bear in mind the need for a review of agricultural wage rates?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)Agricultural wages are subject to the minimum rates fixed by the Agricultural Wages Committees established under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, and the Committees have full power to review the rates in force in their respective areas if and when they consider the circumstances so warrant.
§ Mr. PriceWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give some direction to the Agricultural Wages Committees how they can handle this matter?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI have no power to give directions to the committees.
§ Mr. T. SmithCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether he intends to rely upon the existing machinery, or has he an amendment of the Act in contemplation?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI cannot make any definite reply to that question. At present, I think it is well to let the normal wages machinery function.
§ Mr. J. MorganIn view of the fact that central organisations are being established to deal with all kinds of labour conditions, what is the objection to a central wages board being established at this time, to secure uniformity of terms for the farm worker?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThat raises a very big question, and I think it is well to let the present arrangements function.
§ Mr. DaltonA very big question, a very small Minister.