HC Deb 04 February 1988 vol 126 c1152
19. Mr. McCartney

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present average agricultural wage.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Most recently available figures show that for the year ending September 1987 average gross weekly earnings for whole-time adult men were £146.

Mr. McCartney

Is the Minister aware that some of the poorest paid workers in this country are facing deregulation of rents in the private sector and in rural areas? Because of that, about 40 per cent. of their disposable income will be spent on rent increases. Is it not a disgrace that the Government are preparing to do that to the rural poor? Will the Minister make a statement, saying that the Ministry supports this attempt to deregulate rents in rural areas?

Mr. Donald Thompson

The hon. Gentleman has got hold of the wrong end of the stick. For example, 40 per cent. of farm workers live in accommodation provided by their employer and pay little or no rent, which should be taken into account when considering the £146 average wage. There will be little difference under the new regulations.