§ 59. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the Minister of Labour what is the present average age of the labour force engaged in the agricultural industry; and what is the annual wastage therefrom.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe average age of the men aged 14–64 insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in farming, forestry, and market gardening at July, 1946, is estimated to have been approximately 37 years. The corresponding figure for women aged 14–59 years was 28 years. Statistics of annual wastage are not available.
§ Mr. HurdCan the right hon. Gentleman say how the average age of farm-workers will be affected if 100,000 young farmworkers arc called up under the new National Service Act?
§ Mr. IsaacsI would not like to say, without checking the figures, but if the hon. Gentleman will give me notice I will give him the information.