Letter: The abolition of wages councils will not help anyone

Sir: The Agricultural Wages Board has come a long way since the eminent economist Professor Ashby, an independent member, described it as six fat farmers facing six thin workers across a table.

It has provided a necessary bottom line for wages settlements for regular workers, and much-needed protection for gang labour, of which there is a long history of exploitation.

That both the NFU and the TGWU oppose the board's possible closure should persuade the new minister to leave well alone, and not to add to the problems of the agricultural industry for apparently doctrinaire reasons.

Yours faithfully,

J. L. FRANCIS

Hungerford, Berkshire