HC Deb 27 February 1939 vol 344 cc898-901
56. Mrs. Adamson

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many complaints regarding the non-observance of the pro visions of the Agricultural Wages Act and the orders made there under were received in Kent during the period 1936-37; what action was taken; what was the amount of arrears of wages recovered; and how many workers were affected?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

During the 12 months ended 30th September, 1937, 129 complaints or inquiries were received as to payment of agricultural wages in Kent. In 73 of these cases the matter was disposed of by correspondence. The remaining cases were investigated by an inspector, the number of workers concerned being 251, in respect of 212 of whom the requirements of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act were found to be fully observed. Of the other workers, in the case of 14, only a slight infringement of the Act had occurred and it was deemed sufficient to call the employers attention to the matter. In the case of the remaining 25 workers, arrears of wages were recovered from the employers concerned amounting to £131 3s. 9d.

57. Mrs. Adamson

asked the Minister of Agriculture the grounds on which the 491 permits of exemption in operation in Kent on 30th September, 1937, under the Agricultural Wages Act, were granted, showing the number of permits in each category?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Of the 491 permits of exemption in operation in Kent on 30th September, 1937, 44 were granted on account of mental deficiency, 31 on account of physical injury, 303 on account of infirmity due to age and 113 on account of infirmity due to other causes.

Mr. T. Williams

In all these 491 cases was a reduction in wages granted?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I have not the actual figures, but I assume it was.

Mr. J. Morgan

Has the Minister any information to show whether the 303 cases exempted on grounds of infirmity through age were in receipt of old age pensions supplementing wages?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

No, I have not got that information.

58. Mrs. Adamson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that only four farms in Kent, employing a total of 14 workers, were visited during the period 1936–37 for the purpose of test inspections under the Agricultural Wages Act; and whether he will arrange for area test inspections to be carried out in this county on the lines of those conducted in Cornwall and Wales?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

In the reply which I have given to another question put by the hon. Member I have supplied her with information as to the observance of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act in Kent. On the basis of this and other information in the possession of my Department, I see no occasion to arrange a special series of test inspections on the lines of those to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. T. Williams

As agricultural labourers are leaving the land in such large numbers, does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think he ought to do all in his power to keep skilled workers on the land by making doubly sure that they are receiving the wages decided on by the wages committees?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

So far as this county is concerned, the Wages Act is running smoothly.

Mr. Williams

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think that four visits in 12 months in one county are sufficient?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Judging from the information I have given in the previous answer, I think they are enough for that county.

60. Mr. Adamson

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of the permits of exemption in force under the Agricultural Wages Act at 30th September, 1937, and allowing the payment of rates of wages lower than the minimum rates by 10s. or more per week, were issued in respect of workers of 65 years of age or over?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The particulars which I have of the permits of exemption granted by the agricultural wages committees will be found in the Annual Re ports of Proceedings under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, but they do not include the details for which the hon. Member asks.

Mr. Adamson

Could the Minister say how many of these cases in which permits were granted were actually in receipt of old age pensions, thereby granting a subsidy to lower wages?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I could get the information if the hon. Gentleman wants it.