HC Deb 24 May 1932 vol 266 cc179-80
22. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the increasing number of evasions in connection with the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, he proposes to increase the number of inspectors?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)

I have no reason to suppose that the number of evasions of the provisions of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act is increasing. The second part of the question consequently does not arise.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand that the number of complaints to the Department is not increasing at the moment?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The examinations of test inspections, during the six months ended March, 1932, show that, of the workers' wages investigated, the percentage of cases of workers being underpaid was the same as that in the year ended September, 1931.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is it not the case that fewer inspections are taking place and that the complaints that have been sent to the Department invariably show that the workers are underpaid?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir. I have no reason to suppose that there is any increase over last year.