§ 58. Captain FITZROYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he has information that, although the recent order of the Wages Boards directing an increase of the minimum wages to 42s. and in other cases by not less than 4s. has only just been made effective, a demand for a further rise of 8s. has been made; and whether, in view of the fact that the recent Government announcement as to wheat prices was made at a time when the lowest minimum wage was 36s. 6d., any further rise in wages will be accompanied by a revision of these prices?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe impending rise in wages of 4s. was anticipated and 38 taken into account when the recent announcement with regard to wheat prices was made. If it should become necessary to revise these prices in the future, due-consideration will be given to any variations in the cost of production.