HC Deb 03 May 1984 vol 59 c195W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what explanation was given to Professor Dickson for not reappointing him as chairman of the Agricultural Wages Board.

Mr. Jopling

When I met Professor Dickson last month to inform him that his term of office was not to be extended, I explained that the Secretary of State for Wales and I thought it an appropriate time to make a change. I naturally discussed with Professor Dickson the workings of the board in recent years and his own experiences.

It would not be appropriate for me to disclose further details of what was a private conversation.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he received from the National Farmers Union regarding Professor Dickson's work as chairman of the Agricultural Wages Board.

United Kingdom 1974–1983 average weekly earnings of adult male manual workers: agriculture and other industries
Annual average weekly earning of full-time hired men in agriculture Average weekly earning of full-time men* in all industries covered by Department of Employment October survey Agriculture as percentage of other industries
Year Money Terms Real Terms† Money Terms Real Terms† Real Terms Percentage
£ £ £ percentage
1974 34.07 31.40 48.63 42.96 73.1
1975 42.92 31.84 59.58 41.81 76.2
1976 50.28 32.01 66.97 40.96 78.1
1977 54.69 30.05 72.89 39.08 76.9
1978 61.75 31.33 83.50 41.52 75.5
1979 71.75 32.10 96.94 41.15 78.0
1980 85.95 32.59 113.06 41.58 78.4
1981 96.29 32.64 125.58 41.35 78.9
1982 105.44 32.91 137.06 42.24 77.9
1983 116.54 34.78 149.13 43.77 79.5
* Full-time males on adult rates from October 1980.
† Deflated by annual average retail price index, January 1974=100.
‡ Deflated by October retail price index, January 1974=100.