§ 47. Sir FREDRIC WISEasked the Minister of Agriculture the total loss incurred in respect of the Patrington estate?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)I regret that I am not yet able to add anything to the answers which I gave to my hon. Friend on 17th November and 16th March last. I am informed that several months must elapse before the final accounts for Patrington Farm Settlement will be ready for publication.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhen these accounts are presented can we have some estimate of the amount that has been spent in unemployment relief and the value of the training for the men?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI think it would be absolutely impossible to make an estimate of that kind. There is no evidence of unemployment in agriculture; on the contrary, hon. Members opposite tell me that there is such a shortage of labour that people out of the workhouse have to be employed.
§ Sir HENRY CAUTLEYIs there any prospect of the two farms being let?
§ Mr. GUINNESSWe are trying to let the farms. The House will perhaps be glad to know that all the agricultural workers who remained on the estate have got employment elsewhere.