53. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make some statement regarding the minimum rates of pay that are to be offered to farm workers throughout the country?
Mr. HudsonAt their meeting on 18th November, the Agricultural Wages Board 461 increased the national minimum wage for regular adult male workers from 48s. to 60s. per week. It will now be for agricultural wages committees to review the wage rates in their areas in the light of the new national minimum.
Mr. De la BèreWill the Minister give some instructions to the National Wages Board so that the matter may not be delayed owing to confusion of thought throughout the country?
§ Mr. BevanDoes not the Minister think that the use of the phrase "the national minimum wage for agriculture means dearer food" is an unintelligent use of language and ought to be deprecated?
Mr. HudsonAs I said yesterday—and I think the statement met with the approval of all sides of the House—if we wish to pay a decent wage to agricultural workers, we must be prepared to pay a reasonable price for agricultural products.