HC Deb 22 March 1926 vol 193 c856
27. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the Agricultural Wages Act, 1924, makes no distinction between men and women, he will take steps to require that the provisions of the Act are carried out in respect of women?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

The provisions of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act that minimum rates of wages shall be fixed for all classes of workers employed in agriculture have been duly carried out in respect of women by every Agricultural Wages Committee. I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the Noble Lady who represents the Sutton Division of Plymouth, on the 3rd instant.

BUXTON

Is it the case that in the great majority of districts the orders do not provide for a weekly guaranteed term as well as wage?

Mr. GUINNESS

I think it is often the case that women have only an hourly rate, and that, of course, precludes arrangements about overtime. But my predecessor made representations to the Committees on this subject, and certain changes have since been made.