§ 18. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the wage cuts imposed upon shepherds and ploughmen, which reduce the wages of married men to £30 per year with the usual small perquisites, he will take steps to bring such classes under the provisions of the Agricultural Wages Act?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the current rates of 1770 remuneration of married shepherds and ploughmen in Scotland. So far as I am aware the cash wages are not as low in any district as the figure mentioned in the question and in most districts are much higher. Further, in the districts where the cash wages are lowest the value of the allowances or perquisites such as house, meal, milk or potatoes is relatively high and represents a substantial addition to the cash wages. I have no evidence that there is any general desire on the part of Scottish farm servants for amending legislation to extend the provisions of the Agricultural. Wages (Regulation) Act of Scotland.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIf I put before the right hon. Gentleman facts regarding the shepherds in Caithness-shire, who are living under the conditions stated in the question, £30 a year with small perquisites, will he go into the matter and see what he can do to alleviate the terrible conditions which prevail in Caithness?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI shall be glad to look into any facts on the subject which the hon. Member will bring before me.