§ 71. Mr. GOULDasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the reduction of wages in Holland, Lincolnshire, of 1s. 6d. a week; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am aware of the reduction in the minimum rates of wages recently made by the Holland Agricultural Wages Committee, but although under the terms of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act I have power to require a committee to reconsider the rates, the committee is quite free on such reconsideration to adhere to its decision. In the case in question representations were made to me to exercise my powers to require reconsideration by the committee, but I came to the conclusion that in view of the circumstances there and elsewhere I should not be justified in taking such a course.
§ Mr. GOULDIs the Minister prepared to consider the investing of the Central Wages Board with power to deal with district committees where reductions of the workmen's wages are made?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe have to remember that we must make these Acts of Parliament work all ways, and we are considering the whole matter, but at the present time I see no prospect of any legislation.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with these results of the dumping of slave-grown corn from Russia?