79. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware 976 that farmers in different parts of the country are alarmed at the growing shortage of labour due to the extensive exodus which continues, and that the total numbers of workers, regular and casual, in 1936 had fallen to 640,000 as against 673,000 in 1935, and 688,000 in 1934; and what steps are being taken to end this serious situation?
§ Mr. RamsbothamMy right hon. Friend is fully aware of the continued decline in the number of agricultural workers. With regard to the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave on 19th January last to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Salford (Major Stourton).
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the output per person in certain areas in this country between 1930 and 1935 increased by 40 per cent., and does he expect to keep the men on the land?
§ Mr. RamsbothamThat is no doubt partly the result of mechanisation.
§ Mr. ThorneWill the hon. Gentleman be good enough to hand that reply to the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence?