HC Deb 03 July 1940 vol 362 cc826-7
30. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the national minimum wage carries with it uniformity of weekly hours of work?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. T. Williams)

No, Sir. The fixing of the number of hours to constitute the normal working week in each area is left to the county wages committees. In determining the new wage rates, only one of these committees—that for Durham—has made any substantial increase in the number of hours in relation to which the weekly wage is payable; and in that case my right hon. Friend is considering whether he should exercise his power under Section 6 of the Agricultural Wages Act, 1924, to direct the committee to reconsider their decision.

Mr. Smith

While thanking the Minister for the latter part of his reply, may I ask him whether there was any substantial reason why Durham should increase hours from 50 to 60 per week? Is it also true that in that county they have fixed wages for women workers at under 6d. an hour?

Mr. Williams

My reply to the first part of the question is that I know of no special reason why Durham should have acted differently from any other county. I am afraid that the reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Mr. Smith

What figure was fixed in that county for women's work on the land?

Mr. Williams

My recollection is that the figure for women workers beyond 18 years of age is round about 5½d.

Mr. Smith

In view of the fact that 5½d. an hour is not in accordance with the spirit of the Act, what is the hon. Gentleman's Department doing to see that the women are paid fairly?

Mr. Williams

I certainly do not intend to attempt to justify 5½d. an hour.