§ 7. Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether agricultural wages committees are now operating in all districts in Scotland; whether minimum wage rates have been fixed in all districts; whether any infringements of the law have taken place; and, if so, whether proceedings have been taken in any cases?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, a number of cases of alleged payment of wages at less than the statutory minimum rates have been reported, and, where investigation has disclosed under-payment, steps have been taken for recovery of the arrears due. So far, no case has reached the stage of legal proceedings.
§ Mr. MaxtonHow many inspectors has the Department working on this?
§ Mr. ColvilleI should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. StephenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of discontent because action has not been taken, and will he expedite an inquiry into the cases I have put before him?
§ Mr. ColvilleI will be glad to look into any cases the hon. Member brings 217 to my notice, but I can tell him that a good number of these cases have been dealt with.