§ 26. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the continuing decline in the number of workers employed in agriculture; and what further steps he proposes to take to restore confidence to this industry.
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes, Sir. It is the Government's aim to enable the industry to attract and retain an adequate labour force. The steps taken to improve rural amenities, and particularly much greater freedom to build houses, together with the restoration of confidence already secured by the Government's policy, should go far towards achieving this aim.
§ Mr. JegerIs the Minister satisfied that the action he has already taken is adequate, since the National Farmers' Union are expressing doubts and anxieties about that policy and the workers are continuing to drift away from the land in serious numbers? In my own constituency during the past year 292 agricultural workers left the land to enter other occupations.
§ Sir T. DugdaleWe have been paying particular attention to this matter. I must tell the House that the output per man is already at least 25 per cent. greater than it was about 1938.
§ Mr. GodberIn considering this matter, would my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of trying to improve amenities and of continuing, as far as possible, with rural electrification?
§ Sir T. DugdaleCertainly.
§ Mr. GaitskellIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the existing labour force, even with the increase in productivity will be sufficient to achieve the substantial increase in agricultural output which the Government have in mind?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI have that point before me the whole time. If the present increased output per man continues as 1384 rapidly as it has done in recent years the labour force is sufficient, but we certainly cannot be complacent if there is any further loss in the years to come.