HC Deb 13 November 1933 vol 281 cc560-1
46. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many county wages committees operating under the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act., 1924, have reduced agricultural workers' wages or extended hours or both during the present year; in how many cases the Minister has objected to the reduction; and how many reductions have been approved without alteration?

Mr. ELLIOT

During the present year effect has been given by Orders of the Agricultural Wages Board to decisions of 10 Agricultural Wages Committees reducing the minimum weekly rates of wages for ordinary adult male workers and of two other committees increasing the hours in respect of which the minimum wage is payable. The determination of minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers is a matter solely within the powers of the Agricultural Wages Committees, and their decisions are not subject to revision by any other authority. Section 6 of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act merely enables me at my discretion to direct a committee to reconsider any minimum rate which has been fixed by them. In none of the cases in question did I feel that the circumstances called for the exercise of this discretionary power on my part.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand that notwithstanding the numerous financial gifts which have been made to agriculture by the present Government the right hon. Gentleman thinks it necessary for farmers to reduce farm workers' wages still further?

Mr. ELLIOT

It would be a, bad thing if I were incautiously entrapped into making a, statement of that kind in this House.

Mr. WILLIAMS

In view of the fact that 12 wages committees in 12 separate counties have recommended reductions in wages, does the right hon. Gentleman think all those reductions are justified, and that there is still need for further reductions in wages?

Mr. ELLIOT

I must demur to the statement that I think every reduction is justified, and also, in the second place, to the statement that I think there is need for a further reduction in wages. I shall continue my efforts to raise prices to a remunerative level, and I hope that in that endeavour I shall have the hon. Gentleman's support.