HC Deb 17 February 1949 vol 461 cc1339-40
48. Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Labour the number of agricultural workers registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in Kent at the latest available date.

Mr. Isaacs

At 6th December there were 102 men and 1,459 women registered at employment exchanges in Kent for employment as agricultural workers.

Mr. Wells

In view of those figures, will my right hon. Friend consider releasing agricultural workers from the Control of Engagement Order?

Mr. Isaacs

The women are mainly seasonal workers. The men are released from agricultural employment if their unemployment extends up to 14 days. We keep contact with them then with a view to returning them to agriculture if need for them arises again.