§ 57. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the grants made to agricultural trainees who have family responsibilities are in excess of the present national minimum wages for farm workers; and if the trainees will revert to the national minimum wage at the end of their period of training.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsYes, Sir. I am satisfied, however, that the scale of allowances, which is standard for trainees for all occupations under the Government's vocational training scheme, does not place agricultural trainees generally in a better financial position than the average farm worker. The statutory agricultural minimum wage will apply to all trainees who take up agricultural employment after their training.
§ Mr. GoochIs it not the fact that the amount of the advance for trainees is, in many cases, considerably in excess of the present statutory minimum wage? Do they revert to the£3 10s. at the end of the period of training?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe reply to the Question has already been given. The actual sums of money paid to trainees in agriculture are identical with the sums paid to trainees in other industries. My right hon. Friend quite rightly refuses to accept anything else.
§ Mr. LipsonDoes not that show that there is something wrong with the wages fixed for agriculture?