§ Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received or been made aware of a resolution passed by employers of permanent agricultural labour at Ennis, county Clare, on the 1st instant, that the proposed minimum wage for able-bodied agricultural labourers should be fixed by county boards composed of an equal number of employers who employ three or more agricultural labourers throughout the year and of representatives of the labourers, with a chairman appointed by the Department of Agriculture; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture have received a copy of the resolution referred to. I am making inquiries as to the areas for which it is advisable that local wages boards shall be appointed.