37. Colonel THORNEasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware of the discontent in the minds of agricultural labourers in Minehead and adjacent villages in Somerset because there has been no district wage board set up under the Corn Production Act, 1917, for adjusting and fixing the wages of agricultural labourers; if he is aware of the number of farm labourers in the Western districts that are not being paid the minimum of 25s. per week, in accordance with the Corn Production Act, 1917; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Mr. PROTHEROThe Agricultural Wages Board hope to establish the district wages committee for Somerset in the course of the next few days. The delay is due to the difficulty of finding suitable persons who are willing to serve. No information has reached me indicating that there is such discontent as is suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, but if he can furnish me with any instances of insufficient wages being paid to agricultural labourers I will have them investigated.
§ Mr. PROTHEROOh, certainly!