HC Deb 08 July 1952 vol 503 c1076
16. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of the total placings made in Huntingdonshire by the Youth Employment Service during the latest period of 12 months for which figures are available, were in agriculture and horticulture.

Sir W. Monckton

During the 12 months ended 31st July, 1951, 5.1 per cent. of the total placings made by the Youth Employment Service in Huntingdonshire were in agriculture and horticulture.

Mr. Renton

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this is an agricultural county, in parts of which there is a very serious shortage of agricultural labour? Will he do all he can to persuade his Youth Employment Service to encourage the young people to go into farming to a much greater extent than they have so far?

Sir W. Monckton

I am anxious that they should. I would point out that the figure of 5.7 per cent. for Huntingdonshire compares with a figure of 1.7 per cent. for the whole country, and if one looks at the figure for boys, it is about 10.6 per cent. We are doing what we can to encourage others to see the advantages of this scheme.

Mr. McCorquodale

Is the Minister aware that there is a feeling in the country that the officers of the youth employment committees are more acquainted with the industrial than the agricultural world? Would he make sure that these advisory committees have agricultural interests represented on them wherever possible?

Sir W. Monckton

Yes, Sir. I would point out that the youth employment officer in Huntingdonshire is well aware of that need and is doing all be can to get the schools in the county not only to go to local farms to see what they are like, but to encourage the adoption of farms under a scheme which the National Farmers' Union have recently introduced.