HC Deb 04 December 1922 vol 159 cc1184-5
41. Mr. CAUTLEY

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any figures showing the amount of unemployment among agricultural workers at the present time, and distinguishing between the several corn-growing counties?

Major BARNSTON

I have been asked to reply. No exact figures are available of the amount of unemployment among agricultural workers either in the country generally or in particular counties. Such information as the Ministry possesses, which is based on the general impression of competent observers, does not suggest that there is any abnormal unemployment among regular agricultural workers, but, on the other hand, there is a considerable amount of unemployment in rural districts mainly among unskilled and casual labourers, who in normal times are occasionally and temporarily employed on the land.