79. Mr. PALMERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he has seen the recent decision of the Agricultural Wages Board in favour of an increase of 4s. in all areas over the present minimum wage for male workers of 21 years; and what attitude the Government are taking up in the matter?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)The Agricultural Wages Board have come to no final decision in the matter referred to. They have submitted a suggestion to the District Wages Committees for their consideration, and the reports from the Committees on this suggestion will come before the Board at their next meeting on July 6th. The Wages Board have statutory powers, and their decisions are not subject in any way to control by the Government.