§ 48. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Agriculture in view of the possible early finish of the sugar beet campaign, what arrangements he has made for the full employment of hostel labour or casual farm workers throughout the winter on schemes to improve land for fuller production.
Mr. T. WilliamsCounty agricultural executive committees have been reminded of the importance of taking early and energetic measures to ensure that their pool workers are kept fully employed in the coming months. It is not, of course, their function to provide work for casual workers who may be seeking employment, though they will do what they can to help.
§ Mr. DyeIs not the point that the necessary work of reclaiming land is the function of the executive committees, and should they not use their fullest endeavours to bring more land into cultivation so as to meet the immediate need?
Mr. WilliamsCurrent instructions to county agricultural executive committees include, first, the calling of meetings of National Farmers' Union county branches to plan Winter work for pool labour; secondly, to canvass farmers well in advance for Winter engagements, both direct and through the N.F.U. branches; and also various other suggestions have been made.
65. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Agriculture what instructions have been issued to county agricultural executive committees regarding the employment of gang labour on road or other work when enough agricultural work is not forthcoming.
Mr. T. WilliamsIf work in agriculture cannot be found for their employees, C.A.E.C.s are under instruction to make every endeavour to arrange temporary employment in other occupations, in consultation with the local office of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.