§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of men to whom the sugar-beet industry is giving permanent employment on the land; and the number so employed per 100 acres?
Mr. GUINNESSI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question put to me by the hon. and gallant Member for Bury (Captain Ainsworth) on the 18th instant.
§ Mr. HAYESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the profits per acre made by farmers growing sugar-beet under the subsidy; and whether any recorded instances have reached his Department showing that some part of such profits has been passed on to the workers on the land over and above the statutory rate of wages paid to agricultural workers in the locality?
Mr. GUINNESSI have no precise information as to the wages paid to workers employed in connection with the growing of sugar beet, but I understand that work on the seasonal operations is generally paid for at piece rates which are such as to enable an efficient worker to earn more than the weekly minimum rates fixed under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act.
§ Mr. HAYESasked the Minister of Labour how many extra men have been employed on the land as a result of the sugar-beet subsidy; and whether such men have received the ordinary rate of wages paid locally to agricultural workers?
Mr. GUINNESSI have been asked to reply, and as regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member 903W to my reply to the hon. Member for Batley and Morley (Mr. Forrest) on the 11th March. As regards the latter part, I have no definite information as to the wages paid to workers employed in connection with the growing of sugar beet, but they are entitled to the ordinary minimum rates which all workers employed in agriculture are required to be paid under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act. I understand that employment in lifting and topping sugar-beet is generally paid for at piece rates, which yield to an efficient worker wages above the ordinary minimum rates.