§ 21. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that a number of engineers who are engaged on a threshing machine used for threshing corn are excluded from the benefits of the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act, 1923, during the period when they are engaged in repairing the threshing machine off farm premises; and whether he will consider an amending Act to bring such workmen within the meaning of the principal Act throughout the year?
Mr. GUINNESSThis matter has been brought to my notice. I am not empowered to interpret the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, which can only be interpreted by the Courts, and am not at present contemplating any amending Act.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that this involves undue hardship for a certain section of men who are obliged for a portion of their time to be working in agriculture, and does he not think that they should be brought within the meaning of the Act?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman not acknowledge the hardship? Does he not think that he should introduce a short Bill to make it possible for these people to come under the Act?