§ 50. Mr. ELLIS DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that agricultural conditions in Wales differ so much from those prevailing in England, he will consider the desirability of establishing a separate wages board for Wales and Monmouthshire?
§ Mr. BUXTONUnder the proposals of the Agricultural Wages Bill the duty of fixing rates of wages will rest primarily with county committees, and this should be sufficient to ensure full consideration being given to differing agricultural conditions. I would add that this point was fully considered while the Bill was in course of preparation.
§ Mr. E. BROWNIs it a fact that the Bill gives the district committees power to fix? Is it not rather a power to recommend?
§ Mr. BUXTON"Recommend" is not a strong enough word.
§ 51. Mr. E. DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture in what counties in North Wales agricultural wages conciliation boards exist; and what is the labourer's wage agreed upon in each county in North Wales?
§ Mr. BUXTONFour conciliation committees exist in North Wales. The Anglesey Committee has no agreement in operation at present, but I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the current rates for adult male workers, which have been agreed by the other committees.
§ Following are the rates referred to:
§ Carnarvon Conciliation Committee.
§ Special class workers living out: 35s. for a week of 60 hours.
§ Special class workers boarded and lodged on farms: 33s. 6d. (including the value of board and lodging) for 60 hours.
§ Other workers: 30s. for 50 hours.
§ Denbigh and Flint Joint Conciliation Committee.
§ Stockmen and horsemen: 33s. for 61 hours.
§ Other workers: 27s. 1d. for 50 hours.
§ Merioneth and Montgomery Joint Conciliation Committee.
§ Stockmen: 32s. for a guaranteed week of 60 hours.
§ Other workers: 30s. for a guaranteed week of 54 hours.
§ The agreements also contain other provisions such as rates for younger workers and overtime rates, particulars of which I shall be glad to furnish to the hon. Member if desired.