asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of counties in which the Agricultural Wages Committee has sanctioned either an increase in wages or an improvement in conditions of employment since 1931?

Since 31st December, 1931, 24 of the 47 Agricultural Wages Committees have made increases in the minimum rates of wages, while eight others have made reductions in the number of hours in respect of which the minimum weekly wage is payable. In addition, two Committees have both increased the rates and reduced the hours. These figures include seven decisions which have not yet been made effective by Orders of the Agricultural Wages Board.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House the other figures since 1931, shortly, showing that there have been more reductions in wages and a greater worsening of conditions than there have been improvements, and is it not the case that the net effect of all the increases and reductions since 1931 shows that the agricultural labourers are still receiving less for longer hours than was the case in 1931?

Since the turn of the tide there has been, as the hon. Member well knows, a considerable improvement in the position of the agricultural labourer, and I do not think it does his cause any good to suggest that no improvement is taking place.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it does good to his cause to tell the House that there have been 26 improvements in wages when he knows that there have been 29 reductions in wages in the same period?

I answered the question that was put down on the Paper. If the hon. Member cares to put down any question, I will answer it, but it does no good whatever to suggest that no improvement is taking place for the agricultural labourer, and it disheartens those who are working hard for that improvement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would enhance the value of this information if a comprehensive return were made?

Any question that is put down will, of course, receive a perfectly frank answer from me, but I am not to be held up to any sort of obloquy because I answer a question as I get it on the Paper.