§ 13. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Labour the number of agricultural workers registered as unemployed at the present time; and how these figures compare with the same date in August last?
§ Mr. E. BrownAt nth September, 1939, the latest date for which figures are available, 20,380 persons, aged 14-64, insured under the agricultural scheme, were recorded as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain. The corresponding figure for 14th August, 3939, was 23,733.
§ Mr. SmithCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this unemployment in agriculture is spread over the whole country or is in particular areas, and whether any special effort is being made to absorb these unemployed agricultural workers on the land?
§ Mr. BrownI think the hon. Member will find that there is no undue proportion of unemployment anywhere; it is widely spread.
§ Mr. SmithIs any special effort being made to get them back on to the land in view of the fact that there is an alleged shortage of agricultural labourers?
§ Mr. BrownIt is for that purpose that we have made mobile arrangements whereby our officers can attend fairs and markets and do their best to see what can be done. The figure of unemployment is 8,000 less than it was last year.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it desirable to have 20,000 agricultural workers out of work at a time like this?
§ Mr. BrownThat question will give a misleading impression. The point is that there may have been 20,000 out of work on that particular day, but that they may be in work now.