49. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, with a view to securing wages for agricultural workers to encourage men to stay on the land, he will introduce legislation to base farm wages definitely on agricultural prices and take powers to increase these rates from Exchequer grants at such times as the resultant rate falls below the level of 45s. per work for able-bodied men of proved efficiency?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe question of amending the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, is at present under consideration by representatives of the National Farmers' Union and the agricultural workers' unions, and I am not yet in a position to say what form any proposed amending legislation may take.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsCan the Minister say whether there is any possible chance of a decision being reached before the end of the war?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI think the hon. Member knows what the position is. I hope we may be able to report to the House in the very near future.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs it not the case that the National Farmers' Union, who meet the right hon. and gallant Gentleman every Wednesday, are sending out questions to their county branches on this subject and do not expect to receive the replies for a long time; and is it not the case that they are merely toying with the question?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThey are certainly not toying with the question. What they are trying to do is to get agreement among all the various bodies and I have hope yet that this will come about.