§ Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, following a visit by one of his wage inspectors to the Upton Manor Farm, Upton, Dorset, in the tenancy of R. Arnold, three agricultural labourers were dismissed because they were alleged to have complained to the Ministry; and what action has been taken to deal with this form of intimidation?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have been informed that subsequently to inquiries by an inspector engaged in the enforcement of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, into the wages paid on the farm referred to, certain of the workers concerned have ceased to be employed there. In one case the employer appears to have given a week's notice to terminate the worker's engagement, while in another it appears that the worker himself withdrew his services. In the third case it is not clear whether the worker was in the direct service of the employer mentioned.
Dismissal of a worker as a result of an investigation under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act is very much to be deplored, but I have no power to prevent an employer from dispensing with a worker's services.