HC Deb 12 December 1938 vol 342 cc1597-8
54. Mr. McEntee

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the increase or decrease in the number of workers on the land in each of the last three years and what was the increase or decrease in the number of acres under cultivation during the same periods; and what steps he is taking to see that all suitable land not now being cultivated may be brought into cultivation so that we may be less dependent on imported food, particularly in time of war?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

In reply to the first part of the question, I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the decrease in the number of workers on the land and in the number of acres under cultivation in each of the last three years, as ascertained from the annual returns furnished by occupiers of agricultural holdings exceeding one acre. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the last part of the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 4th July last.

Following is the statement:

— Decrease in the number of workers (a). Decrease in the acreage of land under cultivation (b).
1935–36 … 32,630 93,610
1936–37 … 8,916 82,793
1937–38(c) … 38,534 69,241
(a) Regular and casual workers but excluding the occupier of the holding, his wife and domestic servants.
(b) Land under crops and grass.
(c) Provisional figures.