§ 70. Mr. GOULDasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the case of a Mr. W. Creaser, of Hessle, Yorkshire, who has been dismissed from his employment because he asked for payment for wet time in accordance with wage board orders; and what steps he proposes to take to enforce the provisions of these orders?
§ Dr. ADDISONThis matter, which was recently brought to my notice, has been investigated with a view to securing the observance of the Orders of the Agricultural Wages Board, and the Inspector's report is under consideration. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result in due course.
§ 77. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that a 474 Mr. F. Trott, of Carswell, Uplyme, Devon, who gave evidence at the request of an inspector of the Ministry, which resulted in £55 wages being recovered and a £5 fine being inflicted, has been discharged from his employment as a direct result of his attendance at Court; and if he will inquire into this case?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have had inquiries made into the matter, and it appears a fact that Mr. Trott was discharged following proceedings against his employer for contravening the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924. Under the law as it stands I have no power, however, to intervene in this matter.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDAre there any other cases being brought up?
§ Dr. ADDISONApparently, there is another similar case, but I should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDCannot steps be taken to protect these men?
§ Mr. McSHANECan the Minister of Agriculture give us the name of the employer who dismissed this man? If I put down a question, will the right hon. Gentleman answer it? We ought to have his name.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI should like to see the question first.