27. Mr. ACLANDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether there has been an increase or decline in the number of agricultural workers, all classes, since the inception of the bacon quota and other schemes designed to limit the importation of foodstuffs; what annual increase or decline there has been during the past three years; and whether he is satisfied with these figures?
§ Mr. W. S. MORRISONThere has been a steady decline in the total number of agricultural workers in Great Britain over the last ten years. During the last three years the average annual decrease has amounted to 26,000. I do not accept the implication contained in the question that the decline since 1932 has any connection with the policy of regulating imports. On the contrary, agricultural output in Great Britain has markedly increased since this policy was adopted.