HC Deb 12 July 1948 vol 453 cc836-7
54. Colonel Ropner

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that sufficient labour will be available in the West Riding of Yorkshire to harvest this year's cereal crops and potatoes.

Mr. T. Williams

Ways and means of meeting harvest needs in the West Riding, as elsewhere, are being thoroughly examined by local representatives of farmers, farm workers and the Departments concerned, and I hope that as a result of these joint efforts the supply of labour will be adequate.

Colonel Ropner

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that he will take the necessary steps to see that the labour situation is all right in the West Riding of Yorkshire, and, in particular, will he pay special attention to the lifting of the potato crop?

Mr. Williams

We have taken all the precautions that can possibly be taken by calling all the responsible bodies together to ascertain what the size of the problem is, after which we try to provide the appropriate number of men to each job. With regard to potato lifting, we are going further into that matter.