HC Deb 26 June 1939 vol 349 cc19-20
38. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to deal with the shortage of agricultural labour?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

This matter is kept under constant review and the various Measures presented to Parliament with the object of placing the agricultural industry on a sounder basis will, it is hoped, contribute to a solution of the problem to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Lipson

Is my right hon. Friend taking steps to find out the actual extent of the shortage of agricultural labour?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member last week.

Mr. Dalton

Have the Government considered the possibility of attaching the condition of a higher minimum wage to the payment of subsidy to farmers; and Would not that have some effect in relation to the shortage of agricultural labour?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The usual machinery will be used.

Mr. J. Morgan

Would not a wage of £2 a week attract labour to the land?