HC Deb 01 May 1939 vol 346 cc1493-4
27. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state, according to his latest returns, the number of regular and/or casual workers, male and female, employed on agricultural holdings in England and Wales; and will he give separate figures for those engaged in horticulture and market gardening?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

As the reply comprises a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Day

Will that table include the persons employed on small holdings?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

No, Sir, I am afraid the figures will not include them, because we have not all the information asked for in the last part of the question.

Mr. Day

Cannot the figures for these persons be obtained?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I will look into the point.

Mr. T. Williams

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the figures show a further decline?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

This table is merely dealing with this year.

Following is the reply:

STATEMENT giving the numbers of workers employed on 4th June, 1938, on agricultural holdings exceeding one acre in extent in England and Wales.

— Male. Female. Total.
Regular … 471,895 41,536 513,431
Casual … 54,199 25,493 79,692
Total … 526,094 67,029 593,123

Note: These figures exclude the occupier of the holding, his wife and domestic servants.

As regards the second part of the question, I regret that the desired information is not available.

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