Agricultural Workers (Unemployment).

Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland. – in the House of Commons at on 2 July 1931.

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Photo of Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy , Kingston upon Hull Central

74.

asked the Secretary of State for Scot-land whether he has any estimate of the number of agricultural workers unemployed in Scotland at present?

Photo of Mr William Adamson Mr William Adamson , Fife Western

The answer is in the negative. There are on the live register at the various Employment Exchanges in Scotland 644 men and 65 women describing themselves as agricultural workers, but these figures cannot be regarded as giving any reliable guide to the extent of unemployment in agriculture.

Photo of Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy , Kingston upon Hull Central

How are these agricultural workers living in the meantime?

Photo of Mr George Buchanan Mr George Buchanan , Glasgow Gorbals

In view of the fact that these figures are very necessary, would not the right hon. Gentleman at least approach both the trade unions and the employers concerned to see if they have any reliable figures?

Photo of Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy , Kingston upon Hull Central

Are these people entitled to poor relief as able-bodied poor?

Photo of Mr William Adamson Mr William Adamson , Fife Western

They are entitled to apply for poor relief.