§ 20. Dr. LEECHasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are opportunities for employment in the North Norfolk and South Lincolnshire areas owing to a shortage of farm labour; and will be ascertain where men are wanted and then notify the unemployed in the distressed areas, and invite and, if necessary, train and assist suitable young men to transfer?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI am aware that there ha been some difficulty in obtaining work-people for seasonal agricultural work in the districts to which my hon. Friend refers. My Department has endeavoured to assist the farmers in meeting this difficulty by every practicable means but efforts to transfer men from the depressed areas for this type of work have encountered serious obstacles.
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this shortage goes further than seasonal work on farms? There is also a shortage of labour for Government work in the same district?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the reason for the shortage of labour in Lincoln is the scandalous wages paid to the agricultural labourer?