(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the deadlock in regard to farm wages in Norfolk, and whether he will take steps to bring the parties together with a view to preventing the strike which is threatened for Friday next?

I have seen the Press reports of the dispute in question and have sent an officer into the area to ascertain the precise situation. I have instructed him to place his services at the disposal of the parties with a view to assisting them in arriving at a settlement.

It beg to give notice that I will call attention to this subject on the Adjournment of the House at the earliest opportunity.