HC Deb 30 November 1950 vol 481 c1315
48. Mr. Gooch

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has rejected an application by the workers for an increase in the agricultural minimum wage in Scotland; and if he will now make a statement on the effect this will have upon any adjustment of price next February to meet the increased costs of production due to the wage increase in England and Wales.

Mr. T. Williams

The answer to the first part is "Yes, Sir." To the second part, I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Nally) on 16th November.

Mr. Gooch

Does not the Minister agree that it would be eminently unfair to include Scotland in any price review seeing that they have no increased costs in the form of increased wages? Is he not of the opinion that the members of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board should fall into line with their more enlightened colleagues across the Border and give the Scottish farm workers what they are entitled to?

Mr. Williams

I am sure my hon. Friend would not expect me to answer the last part of his Question.

Mrs. Mann

If Scottish farmers have no increased wages to meet, can my right hon. Friend explain why Brussels sprouts are 9d. in Glasgow and only 5d. in London?

Mr. Williams

That is one of the peculiarities of Scotland.