§ 65. Major CARVERasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is prepared to bring in an order to the agricultural wages boards giving them power to grant exemption certificates, on the application of any agricultural labourer who, by reason of age or infirmity, would be willing to accept lighter work at a wage below the standard rate, and thus relieve and be a saving to public assistance committees?
§ Sir G. BOWYERThe agricultural wages committees already have power under Section 2 (3) of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, to grant a permit exempting the employment of a worker frown payment at the minimum rates of wages fixed under the Act in cases where, on application being made, they are satisfied that the worker is so affected by any infirmity due to age or to any other cause that he is incapable of earning the minimum rate.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that instead of the Act being relaxed, it ought to be tightened up, and the workers' wages increased and not decreased?
§ Sir G. BOWYERI was asked whether the Minister would exercise the powers. The powers are already in existence.