asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to paragraphs 64 and 67 of the Second Programme for Economic Expansion Progress Report in which it is estimated that farm income will increase by £12 million and that agricultural employee remuneration is unlikely to show much change in 1965; and if, in view of the disparity between agricultural wages and industrial wages and having regard to the estimated increase in farm income, he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Wages.
6.
The projection of agricultural employee remuneration for 1965 in the Progress Report on the Second Programme for Economic Expansion allows for increases in earnings of agricultural workers during the year. The figure for total employee remuneration, however, shows no change from the 1964 figure, as a further decline in numbers employed is likely and the projections are rounded to the nearest £ million.
As the Deputy is aware, average minimum rates of wages of permanent adult male agricultural workers are being increased by 15/6 a week later this month.
15/-.
15/6.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider notifying the Agricultural Wages Board about that extra sixpence? They do not know anything about it.
We shall not fall out over sixpence.