§ 52. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the increase in the price of agricultural products?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonNo, Sir, but as was stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Sir A. Baillie) on the 11th June I hope to be able to make a statement at an early date.
§ Mr. SmithWill the Minister expedite this statement in view of the fact that some wages boards are refusing to agree to adequate rates for overtime until they know the Minister's decision?
§ Mr. HudsonI think the new wage rates will come into operation on 1st July.
§ Sir J. LambIs the Minister aware that the fact that these prices are not known by farmers is a deterrent to their seeing what labour is required because they are not sure they will be able to pay for it when they get it?
§ Mr. HudsonI am sure my hon. Friend realises that the question of giving out a long schedule of prices is a complicated matter. We are pushing on as fast as we can.
§ Sir J. LambI agree, but seasonal work not done at the time when men should be on the land cannot be done afterwards?
§ Mr. HudsonBut seasonal work is paid for at existing rates.