51. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the resolution passed by certain branches of the National Union of Agricultural Workers, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what action the Government proposes to take in connection with this claim for higher wages.
Mr. HudsonYes, Sir, but under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Acts, as varied by Order in Council, the Agricultural Wages Board has the sole responsibility for determining the levels of the minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers.
Mr. De la BèreDoes my right hon. Friend not realise that skilled agricultural workers desire a rate of pay more closely related to that of the industrial worker, and how can this be done unless there are some further adjustments of farm prices? The whole matter is one which must receive attention. It is no good going on like this.