HC Deb 26 May 1924 vol 174 c38
75. Captain TUDOR REES

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the conciliation committees for the county of Devon are working satisfactorily and that their decisions meet with the approval of all those affected by them, he will consider the advisability of excluding that county, and other counties in which similar conditions prevail, from the operation of the Agricultural Wages Bill?

Mr. BUXTON

It would be both invidious and impracticable to continue a different system of wage regulation for any particular counties.

Captain REES

Is the Agricultural Wages Bill the only contribution that the Government intend to make towards the solution of the agricultural problem?

Mr. BUXTON

That involves a larger question than is raised here.

Mr. STRANGER

When are we likely to have the Second Reading of the Bill?

Mr. BUXTON

I cannot say for certain.

Mr. HARMSWORTH

In introducing the Agricultural Wages Board Bill, will the right hon. Gentleman give some indication what his agricultural policy is in general?

Mr. BUXTON

I think that goes beyond the question.