§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the agreement reached between the National Union of Agricultural Workers and the National Farmers' Union is in accordance with the Government's prices and incomes policy; and if he will give an assurance that he will allow this agreed award to be paid, in view of the fact that agricultural workers are among the lowest paid section of the community.
§ Mr. John MackieI presume that the hon. Member is referring to the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales Order increasing the statutory minimum rate of pay for an adult male worker by 17s. to £12 8s. for a standard 44 hour week. The Order is due to come into operation on 3rd February.
The Government recognise that agricultural workers are low paid in comparison with most other workers and that productivity in agriculture has increased. But 47W as the award does not fall within the 3½ per cent. ceiling for pay increases, we have sought the advice of the National Board for Prices and Incomes, who have been asked to report before 3rd February on the whole question of the pay of agricultural workers.