17. Mr. T. WILIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of cases investigated for non-compliance with wages regulations during the past 12 months; the number of farmers prosecuted; the amount of wages involved; and the amount of fines imposed?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)The number of farms on which investigations were conducted under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, during the 12 months ended 31st March, 1933, was 2,562; 65 employers were prosecuted; the courts ordered the payment of £1,119 in arrears of wages, and imposed fines amounting to £232.
Mr. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us how these figures compare with the figures for the year ending March, 1932?
§ Major ELLIOTNot without notice.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that the wage paid to agricultural workers in this country is a living wage?