§ 33. Mr. Hannahasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the present conditions in the countryside, he will take steps to facilitate the entry of refugees desiring to work on the land?
§ Sir S. HoareI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 12th June by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. The question of the temporary employment of refugees 1473 already in this country to meet any shortage of agricultural labour has been considered in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Labour. Arrangements have been made whereby refugees admitted to this country pending emigration will be allowed to assist in harvesting operations during the summer and autumn months on payment of not less than the appropriate statutory minimum wage where the Ministry of Labour report a shortage of agricultural workers for seasonal work or where vacancies for such work which have been notified cannot be filled.
§ Mr. HannahWould it not be desirable that old England should follow New England in filling up her countryside again with really desirable immigrants?
Viscountess AstorIs it not true that there has been great difficulty in getting Jewish immigrants to go on the land, because that race is not particularly given to agriculture?
§ Sir S. HoareI do not think that statement is borne out by our own experience. There is a camp at Richborough for Jewish refugees, and I understand that a large number of those young men are anxious to work upon the land and are training themselves to be fitted for that work.
Viscountess AstorIs it quite certain that that is the case? I have been in touch with this camp, and I am informed that they do not find it easy to get these young men to go on the land.
§ Mr. FootIs it not a fact that there are many refugees not of Jewish origin, and should they not be considered also?