HC Deb 15 November 1978 vol 958 cc245-6W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to redress the balance on the Agricultural Wages Board following the appointment of Mr. J. H. Lewis, a trade unionist, as an independent member in place of Professor D. D. Raphael MA, DPhil(Oxon).

Mr. Strang

I do not accept that there is a balance to redress. In appointing Mr. J. H. Lewis my right hon. Friend the Minister and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales were entirely satisfied that he would, as befits an appointed member, come with an open mind to the problems facing the board.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the composition of the Agricultural Wages Board; and by what criteria the various appointments are made.

Mr. Strang

The present composition of the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales is as follows:

Appointed Members

  • Professor C. W. M. Miles, MA. FRICS (Chairman).
  • Mrs. C. M. Cornell, OBE, BA.
  • Mr. J. H. Lewis, JP.
  • Mr. J. A. Scott, MA, MSc, ACA.
  • Mr. J. S. Wordie, CBE, MA, LLB.

Representatives of Employers (nominated by the recognised employers' organisation)

  • Mr. J. A. Davies, JP.
  • Mr. S. A. Gourlay.
  • Mr. G. A. Lewis.
  • Mr. H. B. Lowe, JP.
  • Mr. M. J. Perceval.
  • Mr. H. E. Samuel.
  • Mr. R. Saunders.
  • Mr. R. W. Watson.

Representatives of Workers (nominated by the recognised workers' organisations)

  • Mr. S. L. Aldous, MBE.
  • Mr. J. R. Boddy, MBE, JP.
  • Mr. W. E. C. Chamberlain.
  • Mr. T. J. Daniel, OBE, JP.
  • Mr. A. Mills.
  • Mr. J. Paget.
  • Mr. R. Pierson.
  • Mr. H. A. Ray, OBE, JP.

It is for the employer and worker organisations concerned to determine the criteria for the members they nominate. In building up the group of appointed members my right hon. Friend the Minister and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales are concerned to enlist the services of persons who can contribute effectively to the work of the board by reason firstly of their personal qualities, and secondly of their background and experience in differing walks of life. They are also called upon to ensure that the board collectively includes at least one woman member as required by the Agricultural Wages Act 1948.