§ Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the discontent which has arisen in certain districts by a decision of the Milk and Dairies Trade Board that the wages of distributors of 21 years and over must not be less than 54s. 6d. per week as compared with an agricultural worker in the dairy farm, whose wages are only 36s. per week; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe minimum rate of wages of adult milk distributors in rural areas and small towns is 46s. 6d. per week of 48 hours; the rate of 54s. 6d. operates only in provincial towns of 10,000 inhabitants and over. These became operative on 2nd July. The fixing of these rates is entirely within the discretion of the Milk Distributive Trade Board, an autonomous body representative of employers and workers in the trade.