§ 41. Lady NOEL BUXTONasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement as to the result of inquiries made by the additional inspectors under the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe additional inspectors appointed under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act by my predecessor last autumn have carried out inspections on 1,390 farms employing paid labour. The wages paid to the 3,148 workers employed have been investigated, and as a result, arrears of wages at the minimum rates amounting to £1,974 have been recovered in respect of 273 workers. In addition, legal proceedings have been taken in 41 cases.
§ Mr. FREEMANIn view of the large number of evasions that have been discovered, is it intended to appoint additional inspectors?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think the staff employed is doing very well.
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman make it known that the inspectors were appointed by the late Government?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe additional inspectors were appointed by my predecessor.