HC Deb 02 July 1953 vol 517 cc567-8
15. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present number of people employed in agriculture in Wales and Monmouthshire; and how it compares with last year.

Sir T. Dugdale

According to the agricultural returns for March of this year, the total number of regular and casual agricultural workers in Wales and Monmouth was 46,552 as compared with 45,726 in March, 1952. The figures for March last were based on returns from a one-third sample of occupiers only and may be liable to a small margin of error.

19. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many farmers are under supervision in the Principality of Wales and in the county of Glamorgan, at the latest available date.

Sir T. Dugdale

At the end of May, 43 farmers were under supervision for bad husbandry in Glamorgan and 272 in Wales and Monmouth.

Sir W. Smithers

Will my right hon. Friend explain why it was necessary for the Minister to exercise these dictatorial methods and why, if farmers are supervised and controlled, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers are not?

Sir T. Dugdale

That is entirely another question, but I would not accept the implication conveyed by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Gower

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that in any case when this is done, due attention is paid to the peculiar difficulties of farming in some parts of Wales?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir.