§ Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious unrest amongst agricultural labourers in Essex because of the low minimum wage of £2 2s. 6d. weekly which has been fixed; and whether, in view of the increased prices granted to farmers, he is prepared to take action with a view to getting the Wages Board to reconsider the whole question of the remuneration of the labourers?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe new minimum rate of 42s. 6d. per week for male workers aged 21 and over employed in agriculture in Essex represents the same increase of 4s. per week as the Agricultural Wages Board have made in all areas in which the weekly minimum was previously 38s. or more, and was approved by a majority vote of the Essex District Wages Committee.