HC Deb 05 March 1923 vol 161 cc27-8
80. Mr. HAROLD GRAY

asked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated number of men engaged at the present time as farm labourers?

Sir R. SANDERS

The numbers of male agricultural workers in England and Wales on 4th June, 1921, as returned by occupiers of holdings of more than one acre in extent, were 612,000 regular workers and 131,000 casual workers. These figures do not include the occupiers, but include sons and other male relatives working on the holdings. It is not possible to give a trustworthy estimate of the numbers employed at the present time.

81. Mr. GRAY further

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the Government propose to introduce any legislation of a sufficiently drastic nature to enable the farmers to increase the present inadequate wage of farm labourers?

Sir R. SANDERS

No direct legislation of the kind indicated by the hon. Member is contemplated, but. I hope that the Government may be able to propose measures for the relief of agriculture which will assist in making it-more profitable, and so enable higher wages to be paid.

Mr. HAYDAY

Send them overseas!