§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, I beg to ask the first question which appears in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, the reasons for the increase of the contributions payable by farmers under the agricultural training scheme for ex-Service men.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON)My Lords, it is a condition of the agricultural training scheme that the training employer should make a contribution in respect of a farm trainee's incidental services. This contribution, which is related to the statutory minimum wage rate for agricultural workers is on a sliding scale, increasing as the trainee gains in experience and thus becomes more proficient. For non-disabled trainees the total contribution payable during the training period is approximate 60 per cent. of the minimum rate. This was arranged after consultation with the representative organizations of farmers and farm workers and on the recommendation of the Agricultural Wages Board. As from July 14 last the minimum wage rate for agricultural workers was increased from 70s. to 80s. per week, and in order to maintain the agreed ratio of 60 per cent. as between the employers contribution and the normal minimum wage, it was necessary to make a proportionate increase in the contributions payable by training employers under the scheme.
At the same time it must be remembered that the agricultural training scheme is only one part of the general Government scheme which embraces many industries. Any increase in allowances to agricultural trainees would require to be associated with a general increase in the scale of allowances applicable to all trainees 987 under the scheme and such an increase would not be justified by the rise in wages in agriculture alone. The question of a general increase in allowances is one for the Ministry of Labour and National Service, who keep the position under constànt review in the light of the tendency of wage levels to rise in trades in which training is given under the scheme.
§ LORD CARRINGTONWhile thanking the noble Earl for his answer, may I ask whether he would circulate that answer to the war agricultural executive committees, as the reason for the increase in contributions was not at all realized by any of the farmers who have trainees under this scheme?
§ THE EARL OF HUNTINGDONI am grateful to the noble Lord for that suggestion. I will certainly look into the matter.