HC Deb 04 December 1922 vol 159 cc1194-5
44. Mr. EMLYN-JONES

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the general dissatisfaction expressed in reference to the working of the Con- ciliation Committees, he will reintroduce the Wages Boards so that the decisions thereof may be legally enforced?

Major BARNSTON

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend does not admit that there is general dissatisfaction with the working of the Conciliation Committees. During September there were 49 agreements in force, and the number of complaints of non-observance of the agreements was insignificant. Difficulties are being experienced in reaching agreements in several counties at the present time, but my Tight hon. Friend is not without hope that these difficulties will be overcome. In any case, he is not prepared to introduce legislation to re-establish the Wages Board.

Mr. ROYCE

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman inform the House whether a single one of the alleged agreements have been registered?

Major BARNSTON

I could not do that without notice.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that since the Wages Boards were abolished an enormous reduction in the wages of the agricultural labourers has taken place, and in consequence of the present distribution of wages by the farmers many of the men are worse off than before the War?

Mr. J. JONES

Agreements with Burial Boards!