HC Deb 22 March 1974 vol 870 c176W
Mr. Winterton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will refer the case of agricultural workers' pay to the Pay Board to be considered under the relativities procedure.

Mr. Buchan

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment gave to the hon. Member for Honiton (Mr. Emery) on 19th March 1974.—[Vol. 870, c. 59–60.]

Mr. John Ellis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many agricultural workers have taken proficiency tests; and with what results.

Mr. Buchan

These tests are the responsibility of the National Proficiency Tests Council. The council's report for the year ended 31st March 1973 shows that 8,764 tests were conducted, and that in 7,042 cases the candidates were successful. The corresponding figures for the previous year were 6,812 and 5,447 respectively. I am asking the council whether it can supply my hon. Friend with further details showing, in particular, how many of the candidates were farm workers; how many tests were taken by these farm workers; and with what results.