§ 50. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture the minimum rates of wages and the overtime rates for weekdays and Sundays fixed by the various agricultural wages committees in Great Britain for men and women agricultural workers?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)I have been asked to reply, and with the hon. Member's permission, I will answer all three of them together. The sums authorised by Parliamentary Votes for these Departments this year are within the knowledge of the House. It is not possible at this stage of the year to say what the ultimate expenditure out of these sums will be. An opportunity for reviewing Departmental expenditure is provided when the Estimates for the year are under discussion. Hon. Members must bear in mind that economies are secured, not only by the elimination or curtailment of existing services, but also by the avoidance of new commitments and by adjustment of policy with a view to limitation of expenditure.