§ 20. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the effect upon agricultural production of the present state of uncertainty, he can indicate an approximate date when the proposed minimum wage for agriculture will be operative; whether he can state whether the minimum wage will include the rental value of any cottage occupied and any other free allowances; and, if so, what allowances wall be reckoned as part of wages; and what authority will settle the value of the cottages and other free allowances?
§ Mr. PROTHEROA Bill giving effect to the Government's intention with regard to the institution of a minimum wage of 25s. a week, including allowances, for able-bodied male agricultural workers is in preparation and will be laid before the House shortly. In reply to the remainder, I can only say that the method of adjusting allowances is under consideration.