asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in respect of the Agricultural Wages Board whether that board, in the exercise of its powers to fix wages, is obliged to have due regard to increases in the cost of living; and if he will indicate generally the principal factors which determine the level of the statutory agricultural wages from time to time.
Written Answers. - Statutory Agricultural Wages.
Under the Agricultural Wages Act, 1936, the Agricultural Wages Board is empowered from time to time, as they think proper, to fix minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers. The considerations which must influence the board in prescribing minimum rates are matters which are entirely within the board's province. Changes in the cost of living form one of the relevant factors that enter into this question. I am informed that another relevant factor is the capacity of agricultural employers generally to pay at least any minimum rate of wages that may be proposed having regard to the current conditions in the industry.