71. Mr. McKieasked the Minister of Agriculture why the rate of wages paid to prisoners of war for agricultural work is at the same rate as that laid down by the Agricultural Wages Board.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsFarmers are required to pay for prisoner-of-war labour a rate equivalent to the minimum wage rate fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board for adult males, in order to safeguard the interests of the British farm worker. The prisoners do not receive this money, but are paid by the War Office in accordance with the Royal Warrant of Pay for British troops employed on work which is not part of the duties of their Arm or Branch of the Service.
Mr. McKieIn view of the very great feeling which exists among farm workers as well as employers on this matter, will the Minister reconsider the question?
§ Mr. WilliamsPerhaps the hon. Gentleman is not aware that the agricultural workers of this country were anxious that in agriculture—as indeed in every other industry where prisoners of war were engaged—the rate for the job should be the same.