§ 51. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the shortage of labour in handling last year's harvest and root crops, what arrangements he intends to make to remedy the position during the current year.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe difficulties of last year's harvest arose primarily from exceptionally unfavourable weather conditions. My right hon. Friend expects, however, to be able this year to increase the number of German prisoners of war working on the land and he also hopes that volunteers for part-time and holiday work will come forward in still greater numbers than in past years.
§ Mr. GranvilleSurely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the major reason for the failure last year was shortage of labour? Is he taking steps to see that there is a much greater supply this year?
§ Mr. WilliamsI can assure the hon. Member that the major problem during 1944 was the exceptionally bad harvest weather. My right hon. Friend is taking all possible steps to increase both male and female labour on the land.