HC Deb 29 June 1937 vol 325 cc1787-8
43. Sir Edmund Brocklebank (for Colonel Ropner)

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give an indication of the extent to which Employ- ment Exchanges cannot meet the need of farmers for agricultural labourers?

Mr. Butler

Temporary local shortages of agricultural workers occur in most areas during peak periods of seasonal employment, but my information is that the number of vacancies filled this year by the Employment Exchanges exceeds the number for the corresponding period of last year. The Employment Exchanges take every opportunity of bringing the agricultural vacancies notified to them to the notice of suitable persons who are available, and where the number of local applicants is insufficient to meet employers' requirements, the vacancies are brought to the notice of persons in other districts.

Mr. Leach

Is the hon. Member not aware that there is only one cause for the shortage of agricultural labourers; and that is the question of wages?