§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy on the use of contract labour in the agricultural industry in Wales.
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§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe use of contract labour in agriculture is entirely a matter for the industry.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for meeting claims for increased contract labour charges in view of the risk of a shortage of agricultural labour.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasAny substantiated increases in labour costs, whether in respect of contract or direct labour, are matters to be taken into account at Annual Reviews.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he proposes to take to slow down the rate of outflow of farm workers from the farming industry in Wales and to improve the ratio of agricultural earnings to industrial earnings.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasOn the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, North (Mr. David James) on 27th October. On the second part, the wages of agricultural workers are a matter for the autonomous Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales.—[Vol. 805, c. 17–18.]