§ 51. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that nearly 500 farm workers are registered as unemployed in Norfolk; and that the number is increasing; that over 300 of the men have been taken into the employ of the War Agricultural Executive Committee; and will he take these facts into consideration before arranging for additional foreign workers to be sent into this county.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe number of insured agricultural workers registered as unemployed in Norfolk on 10th November was 362, as compared with 243 on 13th October. Up to 6th December, the War Agricultural Executive Committee had engaged 335 men. With regard to the last part of the Question the total number of foreign workers, including prisoners, in the county is being very 1456 substantially reduced. The Committee will continue to do everything practicable to maintain employment, and I am anxious that farmers, in view of the needs of 1948, shall co-operate in retaining their regular workers over the winter.
§ Mr. GoochDoes my right hon. Friend realise that farm workers are out of work in many towns at present? Will he make an appeal to farmers generally not to encourage casualisation of labour but to give the farm worker the same measure of security as the Agriculture Act will give to the farmer?
§ Mr. WilliamsYes, Sir. I made a very strong appeal on those lines at a farmers' meeting at Chelmsford last Friday.