§ 38. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture how many permits are now in force under the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act, 1924, where mental defectives are employed at wages less than the recognised rates; and how many are open permits, where no wage rates and hours have been fixed?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe total number of permits of exemption from the minimum rates of wages granted by agricultural wages committee on grounds of mental deficiency which were in force on 30th September, 1938, was 1,781. In 35 of these cases no conditions were specified in the permits as to the wages and hours.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain homes for mental defectives are supplying men for this kind of work and that the employers are paying them just as much or as low wages as they can, and will he have this matter specifically inquired into and see what kind of treatment these mental defectives are receiving?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithIf the hon. Member will give me any cases of which he has knowledge I shall be pleased to look into them.
§ Mr. WilliamsAs the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given must have been supplied by some person or persons cannot the right hon. Gentleman easily ascertain the facts?
§ Wing-Commander JamesIs it not the case that the Central Association of Mental Welfare, whose good work is so well known, keep a close eye upon the welfare of all these persons?
§ Mr. MacquistenIs it not the case that agricultural work is the best possible means of restoring sanity to men?
§ Mr. LoganWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see that all possible inquiries are made before permits are given?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithBefore these permits are given all the main sections of agricultural county committees are consulted, and, as far as I know, there has been no complaint.
§ Mr. R. GibsonDo the figures refer only to England and Wales, or do they include Scotland?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThey refer to England and Wales only.