§ 77. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture the source and details of the official estimate that 40,000 agricultural workers are out of employment?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs stated by my right hon. Friend in his speech on the Ministry's Estimates on Monday last, the approximate estimate of 30,000 to 40,000 unemployed agricultural workers related to the month of February, and was based on reports received from the Ministry's crop reporters. My right hon. Friend regrets that the lack of uniformity of these reports precludes any tabulation in detail.
§ Mr. HURDDoes it not appear that this national figure has been built up on local figures which may not have any really national significance?
§ Dr. ADDISONYou are bound to obtain figures in the locality, and we make the best possible use of them.
§ Dr. ADDISONBut the national figure is built up on local figures.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDo these figures relate to regular agricultural workers or only to casual workers?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo, they relate to regular agricultural workers.
§ Mr. BLINDELLIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that this figure is approximately correct?
§ Dr. ADDISONYes, that is what I said.
§ Dr. ADDISONWe have a very large number, and if the hon. Member will put down a question I will tell him.