HC Deb 05 May 1947 vol 437 c32
55. Mr. Spearman

asked the Minister of Agriculture why it is that skilled forestry workers receive a wage of 4 a week whereas, when heavy snow prevented them from doing their normal work, they were able to earn £4 10s. a week doing casual labour as snow-cutters.

Mr. T. Williams

Under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Acts, Forestry is classed as agricultural work. Minimum wages to forest workers, are, therefore, regulated by the agricultural wages boards.

Mr. Spearman

Does not the Minister think that anomalies in wage payments between Government Departments and public boards are bad examples to industry?

Mr. Williams

The House quite recently passed the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act. That matter was not brought to our notice then.

Mr. Piratin

Is this not evidence for the case for raising the wages of forestry workers and of other agricultural workers?

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