Trade Boards Act (Agriculture).

HC Deb 21 March 1912 vol 35 cc2069-70

Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the decision of the Government to introduce legislation embodying the principle of the minimum wage, he will consider the question of adding to the trades affected by the Trade Boards Act that of agriculture?

Mr. BUXTON

As at present advised, I do not think that it would be expedient to attempt to bring agriculture within the provisions of the Trade Boards Act.

Mr. F. E. SMITH

Is the agricultural labourer with his 15s. a week not quite as much entitled to the privilege of a minimum wage as the miner who earns pounds a week?

Mr. BUXTON

It is not a question of securing him a minimum wage. It is whether agriculture can be brought under the Trade Boards Act.