asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the publication Hours and Earnings of Agricultural Workers in England and Wales published on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture; and why no such publication is provided by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Workers' Hours and Earnings.
13.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the article "Hours and Earnings of Agricultural Workers in England and Wales" which appeared in the May, 1962 issue of the monthly publication Economic Trends published for the British Central Statistical Office.
In this country, particulars of the number of males engaged in farm work are obtained each year in the June agricultural census and are published by the Central Statistics Office.
As the Deputy is aware, the Agricultural Wages Board, following the making of each Agricultural Wage (Minimum Rates) Order, publish a memorandum setting out in respect of the various areas the wages of male and female agricultural workers, overtime rates, rates for Sunday work, annual holidays, weekly half holiday and related matters.
The type of information regarding the classes of agricultural workers, actual hours and earnings contained in the article referred to is not available here. It is doubtful if the classification of agricultural workers on these lines has any relevance in our circumstances.
It is not considered that the expense which would be involved in estimating actual hours and earnings here would be justified.
I am sure the Minister will agree that the embarrassment it would cause in certain circles should not prevent its publication.
I do not see where the embarrassment would arise.
I am not surprised at that.