§ Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now name the members of the committee he is appointing to inquire into the conditions of employment and the remuneration of farm workers in Scotland; what interests they represent; what are the terms of reference; and when the committee may be expected to report?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe committee will be constituted as follows:
2002WThe Rt. Hon. the Earl of Caithness, C.B.E. (Chairman);
Mr. William Allison, farmer, Dalkeith;
Mr. George Dallas, Agricultural Officer, Transport and General Workers' Union and a member of the Central Agricultural Wages Board in England and Wales.
Bailie William Elger, Secretary to the General Council of the Scottish Trades Union Congress.
Professor Alexander Gray, Professor of Political Economy, Edinburgh University;
Mr. J. Paton, farmer, Glencraig, Fife.
The terms of reference are as follows:
"To examine the existing system of employment and remuneration of farm workers in Scotland: to inquire what changes have taken place in recent years: and to report whether in their view it is desirable to take any action, and if so what action, for regulating the remuneration or the conditions of employment of these workers."
It is impossible at this date to say when the committee's report may be expected, but I have asked the Chairman to expedite the inquiry as much as possible.