§ 35. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the recent price review awards were designed to stop the fall in the numbers of those employed on Scottish farms.
§ Mr. BuchanLabour requirements were among the factors taken into account at the Annual Review.
§ Mr. StodartIn that case, is the hon. Gentleman entirely unaware of the fact that it is no longer possible, by mechanisation, to absorb the decrease in the labour force that has been taking place, and which is now down to crisis levels? The wage increase of 16s. a week from next month will not be enough to keep men on the land.
§ Mr. BuchanI hope that the farming community will note the latter remarks of the hon. Member. The Board's proposals are for minimum wages. This does not prevent the hon. Gentleman on his farm, or any of his colleagues on their farms, from adding to those wages.