HC Deb 23 May 1940 vol 361 c309
56. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress is being made with regard to the fixing of a national minimum wage for adult male workers?

Mr. Hudson

Before fixing a national minimum wage the Agricultural Wages Board is required by the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Amendment Act, 1940, to consult the county agricultural wages committees. I understand that at the meeting held on 15th May the Board decided to ask the committees to furnish their observations in regard to the national minimum by 7th June, and to proceed to fix the national minimum wage as soon as possible after that date.

Mr. Smith

Will the Minister take good care to see that there is no delay in fixing an adequate national minimum wage in view of the urgency of the matter?

Mr. Hudson

Certainly.

Colonel Burton

Will my right hon. Friend have regard to the cost of production when discussing the question of a minimum wage?