HC Deb 12 June 1918 vol 106 cc2198-9
42. Sir F. FLANNERY

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what increases in the prices of wheat, barley, and oats will be fixed so as. to enable farmers to increase the wages of agricultural workers proportionately to the increased cost of living, and the extra labour involved by the calling up for military service of men from the land?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)

I have been asked to reply. My Department is now engaged in preparing a scheme of prices which will take into account the matters referred to by my hon. Friend.

Sir F. FLANNERY

How soon will that scheme be laid on the Table?

Mr. CLYNES

They are now actually working on the matter, and there will be no delay whatever in taking action.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Will the right hon. Gentleman try, instead of an increase of prices, a reduction of rent for the farmers to make good an increase of wages?

Mr. CLYNES

That is one of the few matters not within the province of the Ministry of Food.

Forward to