§ 53. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture what estimate he has made of the number of workers who will be required to handle the crops this year; and if he estimates that this number will be available from all the various sources.
§ Mr. G. BrownIt is impossible to set a figure on harvest labour needs, which depend so largely on the uncertain factors of the weather and the state of the crops. In reply to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave him on 26th April.
§ Mr. BossomDoes not the Minister realise that there is a great sense of worry throughout Kent, where the farmers do not believe they will have enough labourers to help when the time arrives for handling their crops?
§ Mr. BrownIf the farmers will do what they can to help themselves in building up an individually employed force, with the assistance that we are giving them we shall get by.
Mr. E. P. SmithWill the Minister bear in mind that in Kent we are likely to have a good harvest this year, which will mean a greater necessity for more labour?