§ Mr. HOBHOUSEasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in setting up the central wages board and county wages committees under the Agricultural Wages Act, and the probable date when the new wages rates will come into force?
§ Mr. BUXTONRegulations governing the constitution and procedure of the Agricultural Wages Committees and the Agricultural Wages Board were published in draft on the 12th August, and after the expiration of the 40 days' notice required by the Rules Publication Act were duly made on the 24th and 27th September respectively. It now rests with the organisations concerned in the nomination of the members representing employers and workers to submit their nominations. As soon as these have been received the constitution of the Committees and the Board will proceed without delay. As328W the responsibility of fixing; minimum rates of wages rests solely with these bodies when established, I am unable to give any indication as to when such rates are likely to come into operation.