§ 53. Mr. Lindsayasked the Minister of Agriculture whether farmers are making known their labour demands; and what number of boys from universities, public, secondary and elementary schools are being enrolled for employment this summer?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonMy Department is taking every opportunity of urging farmers to give early notification of their labour requirements so that the fullest possible use can be made of all regular, casual and volunteer labour available. But it is essential that farmers' precise needs should be notified in good time to the Employment Exchange or to the County War Agricultural Executive Committees. About 1,100 University students have been enrolled. I cannot give any figure for schoolboys as they are being organised locally and generally by their own schools.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill the right hon. Gentleman discourage, so far as he can, the employment of elementary schoolchildren in this way?
§ Mr. HudsonIt would be employment only during the holidays.
§ Mr. Garro JonesThe right hon. Gentleman says he is taking every step. Is he aware that no specific step has been taken to request farmers to make known their requirements and that in view of the changes in arable cultivation there will be a great deal of confusion if farmers are not asked to make specific returns?
§ Mr. HudsonI do not know what the hon. Member means by "no specific step." Every possible publicity in the way of advice has been given by broadcasts and notices issued to the local Press and farmers have been circularised through the National Farmers' Union.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of farmers are not members of the National Farmers' Union and have not received any such circular?
§ Mr. HudsonThey cannot fail to have seen the notices in the local Press or to have heard the broadcasts.