HC Deb 29 October 1919 vol 120 cc731-2W
Mr. A. HENDERSON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can now state the number of acreage inspectors appointed under the Corn Production Act, together with the total cost of their salaries arid other emoluments; whether assessors have been appointed; and, if so, to what number and at what cost?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The number of temporary acreage inspectors appointed under the Corn Production Act is 1,066. The appointments were made in respect of this year's crop only, and have already terminated. Their salaries will amount to £106,600, and travelling expenses probably about £20,000. Assessors have been appointed by the Agricultural Executive Committees generally from one to three by each Committee. It is not possible to forecast the expenditure under this head which will depend upon the number of claims sent in for adjudication. The fee has been fixed at £3 3s. a day when engaged on assessing claims.

Mr. HENDERSON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will now give the total number and total cost of persons employed, under the provisions of the Corn Production Act, by the Board of Agriculture, the Wages Board and Committees, and the County Agricultural Committees, respectively?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Under Part I. of the Corn Production Act, 1917, the expenses for England and Wales are as follows:

1. Staff:

1,066 Temporary Corn Claim Inspectors, 5 Temporary Travelling Inspectors, about 12 Temporary Women Clerks.

Total cost including travelling expenses, but excluding Assessors' expenses which are quite uncertain, about £140,000.

II. Staffs employed by the Wages Board for England and Wales under Part II. of the Corn Production Act Comprises:

  • 58 Officers at Headquarters.
  • 23 Travelling Inspectors.
  • 31 Secretaries of District Wages Committees.

Cost:
(a) Salaries:
1. Head Office £8,470
2. Inspectors 7,900
3. Secretaries of District Wages Committees 5,700
(b) Travalling and Subsisitence Allowances:
1. Inspectors 6,600
2. Local Secretaries 1,000
3. Members of the Agricultural Wages Board and of the District Wages Committees 12,000
Total £41,670

III. As regards expenses under Part IV. of the Corn Production Act I regret that it is impossible at present to supply the information desired so far as the County Agricultural Committees in England and Wales are concerned. These Committees were set up in accordance with Regulations made under the Defence of the Realm Act, and not as the result of the Corn Production Act. If, however, my right hon. Friend will repeat his question in a fortnight's time, I should be pleased to furnish him with a statement showing the numbers and cost of the sta733ffs employed by these Committees.