Agriculture (Labour Force)

Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 22 June 1948.

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Photo of Mr Edwin Gooch Mr Edwin Gooch , Norfolk Northern 12:00, 22 June 1948

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of the 6,000 additional workers in agriculture, placed in employment during the four weeks ended 12th May, were of British nationality.

Photo of Mr Ness Edwards Mr Ness Edwards , Caerphilly

The figure of 6,000, to which my hon. Friend refers, is not a figure of placings but represents the estimated net increase in the total labour force in agriculture during the month of April. I regret that it is not possible to say what proportion of entrants into agriculture in any period are of British nationality.

Photo of Mr Edwin Gooch Mr Edwin Gooch , Norfolk Northern

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate the desirability of increasing the British labour force on British farms, and, further, the great desirability of enabling many foreign workers to return to their homes?

Photo of Mr Ness Edwards Mr Ness Edwards , Caerphilly

It is very desirable that we should have as many of our own people in agriculture as possible. I am grateful to the Union of Agricultural Workers for their assistance in this matter.

Photo of Mr David Renton Mr David Renton , Huntingdonshire

Bearing in mind that about five Questions back the Parliamentary Secretary said that the increase in agriculture included European Volunteer Workers, will he say whether the increase which has taken place among these workers is regarded as a permanent increase or only a temporary one?

Photo of Mr Ness Edwards Mr Ness Edwards , Caerphilly

We are hoping that the foreign workers who have been recruited will settle permanently in this land and become a useful part of our rural population.