§ 33. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that whilst a 1070 national minimum wage has been fixed for agricultural workers, miners and railwaymen, there is a wide difference in the wages payable; that this is likely to lead to industrial unrest; and whether he proposes to take any steps to raise the wages of farm workers so that they compare favourably with those received by industrial workers.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)I am aware that rates of wages vary in different industries including the three mentioned. The rates for railwaymen and miners were fixed by voluntary collective bargaining followed in the latter case by an arbitration award; the rate for agricultural workers was fixed by a statutory board operating under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act. I have no authority to override that board in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Parliament, and the last part of the Question accordingly does not arise.
§ Mr. ButcherMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman when he proposes to institute a reasoned plan for a wages policy for this country?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat is quite another question.