HC Deb 04 March 1915 vol 70 cc951-2
23. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the number of men employed in England, Wales, and Scotland, respectively, in connection with the preservation of game?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. According to the Census of 1911, the number of gamekeepers was:—

England (including Monmouth, with 120) 15,828
Wales 1,320
Scotland 5,908
Ireland 1,238
Giving a total of 24,294

Colonel LOCKWOOD

Has the right hon Gentlemen any figures available to show what proportion of this class has enlisted?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have no figures. I do not know whether it is possible to get them. The question should be addressed to the War Office.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the work for which the education committees are anxious to get child labour is work in which these men might be appealed to help?

Mr. SAMUEL

That is a question for the Board of Agriculture.

Sir J. JARDINE

Are the water bailiffs who are engaged in protecting the salmon in the River Tweed included in these figures?

Mr. SAMUEL

No. These are the figures in reference to gamekeepers.