§ 22. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has now considered the proposals of the Agricultural Wages Committee in Fife-shire; what were its findings; how the proposed new rates of wages compare with present rates; and when the new scales will come into operation?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe Scottish Agricultural Wages Board, at its meeting on 30th May, decided to make an order giving effect to the decisions as to minimum rates of wages reached by the Agricultural Wages Committee for the Fife and Kinross District. These minimum rates will become operative on 27th June. I regret that the information available does not enable me to make an exact comparison between present rates of wages in the district and the minimum rates now fixed by the Board.
Mr. DavidsonCan the Minister explain what difficulties are in his way with regard to making that most desirable comparison?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe information up to now gives only the estimates of average weekly rates, inclusive of payment for overtime, and the rates now are statutory minimum rates relating to specific hours of work. I could show the hon. Member figures, which I think would interest him, if he came to see me, but they are not sufficiently comparable for the purpose of a Parliamentary statement.