HC Deb 17 June 1952 vol 502 cc994-5
60. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the shortage of agricultural labour in Dumfriesshire and of the difficulty in obtaining replacements for men called up for national service; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. James Stuart)

I am not aware of any acute shortage of agricultural labour in Dumfriesshire. I am informed by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour that there are only 10 outstanding vacancies for male workers registered for the whole of the county.

Mr. Macpherson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when application was made the other day to Dumfries for an agricultural worker the answer was that there was already such a long waiting list that it was not worth while putting the name down; and can he please look into this matter again?

Mr. Stuart

I have looked into it. There were 31 vacancies but there are now only 10, the 21 having been filled in recent weeks.

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