73. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now make a statement in connection with the recent negotiations and recommendations relating to the increased rate of pay for the agricultural workers throughout the country.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am afraid that it is not clear to me on what aspect of recent developments in agricultural wages matters the hon. Member desires me to comment, but if he will put a further Question down, I will endeavour to answer it.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentle. man aware that for very many months the agricultural workers have been trying to get a fair and just wage and that they still do not know where they stand? Can he not make some pronouncement in view of the importance of this matter?
§ Mr. WilliamsI should have thought that the hon. Member would have been aware that they do know where they stand, since the recommendation of the Central Wages Board has been submitted to the county committees who are dealing with the matter at the moment.
§ Mr. GallacherIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that for years, aye, generations, the agricultural workers have been trying to get a decent wage and that they are only now getting it?