§ 59. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the number of prosecutions during 1929 under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, for failure to pay wages at not less than the minimum rates; and will he state the aggregate amount of such under-payments and the gross amount of the fines imposed?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONThe number of prosecutions undertaken during the year 1929 under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act for failure to pay wages at not less than the minimum rates was 114 in respect of 201 workers. The total amount of arrears of wages ordered to be paid by the Courts was £2,274, and the fines imposed amounted to a total of £258. In addition, two farmers were prosecuted for giving false information and in each case the employer was convicted and fined £5.
§ Mr. BUXTONPerhaps my hon. Friend will put down a question, when I will give him the exact facts.