§ 92. Mr. GWYNNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that, whilst horticulturists and market gardeners come under the Agriculture Bill as regards increase in wages for their employés, no benefits or guarantees are promised to them, in spite of the fact that they have to compete in perishable goods in the open market with produce grown in foreign countries by cheaper labour; whether he is aware of the widespread apprehension which exists among the growers; and what steps he means to take to encourage rather than discourage the production of fruit, vegetables, and other garden produce in this country?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Sir A. Boscawen)It would not be practicable to extend the principle of guaranteed minimum prices to articles of produce other than corn, but I may point out to my hon. Friend that horticulturists and market gardeners will obtain substantial advantages under Sub-section (3) of Clause 9 of the Agriculture Bill, which brings into force and gives statutory authority to the Evesham custom.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question.
Sir A. BOSCAWENWe are of opinion that the adoption of the Evesham custom will encourage the production of fruit and vegetables.
§ Mr. GWYNNEThat refers only to a man leaving. What is going to happen when he is staying on?