§ 32. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average weekly earnings of regular adult male agricultural workers in Scotland during the most recent 12-month period for which these figures are available; the average weekly hours worked; and the average weekly value of payments in kind received by these men over the same period.
§ Mr. NobleThe average total earnings of regular adult male agricultural workers in Scotland for the 12-month period 1069 ended 31st December, 1962, were £10 18s. a week. The average weekly value of payments in kind received as part of total earnings was 18s. The average weekly hours worked were 47.9 excluding the customary hours worked by shepherds, grieves and stewards which are not statutorily fixed.
§ Mr. StodartIs my right hon. Friend aware that a few weeks ago, figures of a similar nature were given for England and Wales and that according to my mental arithmetic it would be true to say that, despite the lower basic rate which Scottish farm workers enjoy, the rates earned per hour are higher than those in England and Wales? Is not this a considerable tribute to the system which we enjoy in Scotland of classifying farm workers under specialist groups?
§ Mr. NobleMy hon. Friend is right. The earnings in England are 6s. more. but for three hours longer a week, so that in Scotland we are doing better.
§ Mr. W. HamiltonCan the Secretary of State confirm that a man, wife and three children will get almost as much on National Assistance as the man would get by a wage, as indicated in the Answer? Does the right hon. Gentleman regard this as part of the Tory affluent society?
§ Mr. NobleI am delighted to say that agricultural workers prefer working to sitting back and drawing money from the State.