HC Deb 13 February 1939 vol 343 cc1359-60
41. Mr. Adamson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the number of complaints regarding the non-observance of the Agricultural Wages Act and the orders made thereunder continued to increase down to the end of 1937, and that the amount recovered in respect of arrears of wages as a result of complaints is many times greater than the amount recovered as a result of test inspections; and whether he will give instructions for more test inspections to be carried out so as to reduce the necessity for individual complaints?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I am aware that the number of complaints regarding nonobservance of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act continued to increase down to the end of 1937, but it has since shown a diminution, and I do not consider that there is any justification for the issue of the instructions suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Adamson

Could not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman arrange for a number of inspections in order to ensure that the administration of this Measure is effective?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

We do have as many test inspections as we can. There are 18 inspectors and one superintendent-inspector. The matter is kept carefully under review, and if other cases arise which make it necessary to increase the staff I shall certainly consider doing so.

42. Mr. Adamson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in 1936 and 1937 permits of exemption from the minimum wage requirements of the Agricultural Wages Act were granted on grounds of infirmity due to age in the case of 2,587 male workers, of whom 1,553 were over 70 years of age; and whether he is taking any steps to facilitate the retirement of these aged and infirm men from the industry with adequate retiring allowances or pensions?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I imagine that the hon. Member has in mind the provision of financial assistance by the State in addition to the existing old age pension scheme. If so, the answer to this part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. Adamson

Seeing that there is such a large percentage of exemptions of aged persons, could not the Minister make representations to the Treasury on this question of pensions?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

This problem affects other industries besides agriculture, and it is a question of policy.

43. Mr. Adamson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that as a result of prosecutions for infringements of the Agricultural Wages Act in Gloucestershire and Somerset in 1936–37, orders were made for the payment of arrears of wages totalling over £160 to seven workers; whether these prosecutions were made as a result of complaints received or of test inspections; that the inspector for the district made test inspections at only two farms employing a total of two workers in Gloucestershire, and 16 farms employing a total of 28 workers in Somerset; and whether he is satisfied that adequate steps are being taken to secure the observance of the Act in these two counties?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The prosecutions to which the hon. Member refers were instituted as a result of complaints made to my Department. Test inspections were carried out as stated and I am satisfied that the steps which are being taken to secure the observance of the Act in the counties concerned are adequate. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my predecessor to a question which he asked on 12th December.