HC Deb 04 December 1952 vol 508 cc1733-4
10. Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of investigations undertaken by his inspectors into alleged infringements of Wages Board Orders since the Agricultural Wages Act, 1947, became operative; the amount of wages recovered; and the number of prosecutions involved.

Sir T. Dugdale

During the five years ending 30th September last, 5,610 investigations into alleged infringements of the Agricultural Wages Acts were carried out by my inspectors and £71,254 3s. 9d. was recovered by way of arrears of wages. Prosecution was undertaken in 131 cases.

Mr. Wells

In view of those figures, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that his staff of inspectors is adequate to the work?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir, I think so. Part of their work is to make test inspections, and during those inspections, which are carried out throughout the country, the proportion of cases of this sort is under 2 per cent.

Mr. Robens

Would it not be helpful if the agricultural workers joined their appropriate trade union organisation, which could safely look after their interests in this matter?

Sir T. Dugdale

That is another question.