§ 65. Mr. GRAYasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present average minimum weekly wage fixed by Agricultural Wages Boards; and how it compares with the average minimum weekly wage fixed by Trade Boards for male workers in industries to which the Trade Boards Acts apply and with the average 30 weekly wage of male workers in all industries as estimated by the Ministry of Labour?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe average of the minimum weekly wages fixed for ordinary adult male workers by the Agricultural Wages Committee is about 31s. 8d. per week. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that it is not possible to state an average for the minimum time rates fixed by Trade Boards, but that for the lowest grades of adult male workers they generally range between 11d. and ls. 2d. per hour. This range covers a large proportion of the workers concerned. The nominal working week is in general one of 48 hours. An average figure for the standard weekly rates of male workers in all industries cannot be stated; but it is estimated that the average weekly earnings of all male workpeople, including juveniles, in employment, other than agriculture, was about 57s. in October, 1928.