§ Mr. G. Johnson Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now approve for grant the payment by rabbit clearance societies to their operators of the 6s. per week increase in the minimum wage recently awarded to agricultural workers.
§ Mr. John MackieThe wages of rabbit clearance society operators are not covered by Orders made under the Agricultural Wages Act, 1948, but societies are being advised that where a contract linking the wages of an operator to the agricultural workers' minimum rate was in existence before 20th July, 1966 the recent increase of 6s. per week may be applied as appropriate. Arrangements are being made for other cases to be considered on their merits in accordance with the criteria for wages set out in the White Paper on the Period of Severe Restraint (Cmnd. 3150). Any wage increases approved under these arrangements will rank for grant.