HC Deb 28 June 1948 vol 452 c1836
53. Mr. Cuthbert

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to remedy the unsatisfactory system of supplying labour to farmers from the European voluntary workers pool, as the labour is irregular in attendance, and farmers have to pay full 48 hours wages, but do not obtain 48 hours work owing to deductions in time for meals, travelling, etc., the difference in time not being made up as is customary with British labour.

Mr. T. Williams

I do not regard the system of supplying E.V.W. labour to farmers as unsatisfactory. The farmer pays for the number of hours the workers are on the farm, less the usual one hour per full day for meal breaks. Where, owing to some unavoidable circumstances such as a transport hitch, workers arrive after the normal starting time, the farmer is charged only from the time of arrival.

Sir W. Smithers

How much an hour is charged?

Mr. Williams

The appropriate Agricultural Wages Board rate.

Mr. Renton

Are these E.V.W.'s given a guaranteed week?

Mr. Williams

That matter does not arise on this Question.