§ Mr. NOEL BUXTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will grant an inquiry into the effect of the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board in the counties where agricultural wages have fallen to the lowest level?
§ Major BARNSTONIt does not seem that inquiry on the lines proposed by the hon. Member would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. BARKERasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the Monmouthshire Conciliation Committee has met and failed to reach an agreement in respect of the rate of wages for the ensuing winter; that the farmers' representatives urge that the industry cannot bear a higher wage than 30s. per week of 54 hours; that the workers' representatives urge that the agricultural labourer in Monmouthshire cannot live in decency on less than 35s. per week with the cost of living obtaining at present; and that each side accepts the statement of the other as correct and appeals to the Government to intervene; and if he will 1238W state what steps, if any, the Government propose to take to ensure a living wage to the agricultural worker?
§ Major BARNSTONThe position is as stated by the hon. Member. It is hoped that it will be possible to arrange for another meeting of the Conciliation Committee to be held shortly, with a view to the question of the rate of wages payable in Monmouth being reconsidered. The general policy of the Government in relation to agriculture will be discussed in the course of the Debate on the Address.