§ 43. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions instituted during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date against farmers who have failed to comply with the provisions of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, in respect of the non-payment of minimum rates of wages; and can he state the amount that has been awarded by the courts in arrears of wages?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)During the 12 months ended 20th June, 1930, 164 employers were prosecuted for failing to pay wages at not less than the minimum rates fixed under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, and the Courts awarded arrears of wages amounting to £3,357.
§ Mr. DAYCan my right hon. Friend say whether any proceedings have been brought against people refusing to give the necessary information to the investigating officer?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am afraid that I should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when he proposes to do something for the farming industry to enable the farmer the better to pay those wages?