asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the need for accurate information about rural conditions of labour, he will give consideration to the inclusion of statistics relating to rural workers in the periodic statements of the Ministry as to changes in wage rates and conditions of living?

I regret that the information is insufficient to provide a satisfactory basis for statistics as to the aggregate amount of the changes in rates of wages of rural workers or as to their conditions of living. Details of such changes as are reported in recognised district rates of wages, however, are published regularly in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" as well as statistics relating to changes in food prices in certain towns with populations under 50,000, including a considerable number of small country towns.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great discrepancy of view in regard to the wages in rural areas, and that it will be impossible for hon. Members properly to discuss this matter unless scientific information is supplied?

I am quite aware of dissatisfaction, and I beg to call attention to the fact that the lack of statistics is not due to the present Government.