§ Mr. C. DUNCANasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Agricultural Wages Board recommended that any change or alteration in wages should be dated back to 31st March; whether he is aware that the farmers in Sussex have held a meeting and decided not to pay any increase before the final legal date; whether he is aware that this decision is already creating discontent; and what steps he proposes to take to rectify this situation?
§ Mr. PROTHEROThe Agricultural Wages Board on the 28th March last unanimously resolved that since it was impossible for all district committees to 739W meet at once and determine their recommendations regarding wages, they were of opinion that by mutual agreement between employers and workers it was desirable that any minimum rate of wages which may be fixed should be made retrospective as from the end of March. I understand that many district wages committees have passed similar resolutions. However desirable such an arrangement may be, I have, as the hon. Member is aware, no legal power to enforce it.