§ Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the wages being paid to men and boys engaged upon the construction of aerodromes are still seriously affecting the position of agriculturalists and other necessary services near sites; and what steps are being taken to bring about a fairer ratio of earnings between employees engaged upon Air Ministry contracts for aerodromes and agriculture and industry generally?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleThe rates of wages for the construction of aerodromes and for agricultural work respectively are regulated by industrial agreements and by the determinations of the Agricultural Wages Board. A great many factors have to be taken into account in the settlement of rates of wages and it would not be in accordance with the policy of the Government to interfere with decisions reached by the appropriate machinery.