§ Mr. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received resolutions from the executive of the county Long ford Labour Union calling on the Government to pass into law immediately Acts fixing a minimum wage of 28s. a week for Irish labourers and extending the scope of the Insurance Act so as to include prompt payment of increased benefits to meet the extra cost of living in war-time; when the fixing of a minimum wage may be expected to come into operation; and whether any Amendment of the Insurance Act will be undertaken this Session in the direction referred to?
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§ Mr. DUKEI have not seen the resolution mentioned in the question. The fixing of minimum wages for agricultural labourers in Ireland is dealt with in the Corn Production Bill. An increase of benefits under the Insurance Act would, I am told, necessitate an increase of contributions.