HC Deb 20 November 1973 vol 864 cc382-3W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide figures to show how average agricultural wages have compared with average industrial wages for each year since 1968 to the latest available date.

Mrs. Fenner

The comparison of average earnings is as follows:

Average Earnings £ per week Agriculture* United Kingdom Industry
1968 15.99 23.00
1969 17.42 24.83
1970 19.04 28.05
1971 21.30 30.93
1972 24.05 35.82
* Total earnings include overtime, piecework, bonuses, premiums perquisites valued, where applicable, in accordance with the agricultural wages orders. Earnings relate to hired regular whole-time men, 20 years and over, and are based on April/March years, October being the midpoint.
† Information on industrial earnings includes bonuses and incentive payments. The earnings relate to full-time manual male workers, 21 years and over in a single pay week in October. The figures relate to all industries and services covered by the Department of Employment's regular October inquiry.

Mr. Bishop

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that some farm workers are paid fortnightly; and if he will encourage weekly payments in order to assist their families.

Mrs. Fenner

As in all other industries, this is a matter for determination between individual employers and workers or their representatives and it would not be proper for me to intervene.