asked the Minister for Agriculture why the Agricultural Wages Order which came into operation on 23rd February last was not published before 21st February, and whether he will arrange that in future more adequate notice of such Orders will be provided to the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Wages Order.
Mr. Walsh
I would remind the Deputy that a Press notice was issued on the 19th December, 1952, on behalf of the Agricultural Wages Board setting out the main provisions of the intended Order and intimating that specified new minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers would be payable from Monday, 23rd February, 1953. This Press notice received wide publicity in the daily and provincial papers.
As regards the latter part of the Deputy's question, I will consult with the Agricultural Wages Board.
May I take it that the Minister agrees with me that, in ordinary circumstances, it is not desirable to withhold publication of the schedule until within two days of its coming into operation? It would be of great convenience to agricultural labourers and farmers if it could be published with longer notice.
Mr. Walsh
It was published in December.
Only a forecast. The schedule was not published until two days before it came into operation. Would the Minister not agree that, except in exceptional circumstances, that is not desirable?
Mr. Walsh
Yes.